A rare and complete first edition of Alois Senefelder's groundbreaking lithographic manual

Munich: Karl Thienemann/Vienna: Karl Gerold, 1818. First edition. 4to. xiv, (ii), 370, (2) pp. Preface by Friedrich von Schlichtegroll. Illustrated with 19 lithographic specimen plates at rear (two in color); each with tissue guard, bound with separate lithographic title-page Sammlung von mehreren Musterblättern. Three-quarter tan morocco, stamped in gilt, over marbled paper-covered boards, lightly rubbed; all edges trimmed; title-page lightly darkened and spotted; ink number at bottom of dedication page; scattered light foxing to text; book-plate on front paste-down.

Alois Senefelder's rare and complete history and manual of the lithographic printing process. This authoratative manual, the first of its kind, includes detailed sections on Senefelder's invention of lithography, as well as sections describing the lithographic process and technique. The 19 lithographic plates at the rear show the range and versatility this printing technique offered--from reproducing engraving processes to creating accurate facsimiles--that would go on to revolutionize the world of printing and book production.