Books produced at Doves Press bindery, such as this copy of "Paradise Lost," reflect the aesthetic leanings of its founder, T. J. Cobden-Sanderson (1840–1922). Although influenced by his friend William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Cobden-Sanderson's approach to what he called the "book beautiful" differed from the production of Morris's Kelmscott Press. Cobden-Sanderson favored clean open lines and margins, in a modern translation of Renaissance ideals. Each book was an individually created work of art, painstakingly crafted from only the finest materials. For this reason, books from Doves Press reached a small but prestigious audience. The binding of the volume shown here is a fine example of the rich leathers and meticulous goldwork preferred by Cobden-Sanderson.
Illustrated: full red goatskin, gold-tooled binding, by the Doves Bindery, signed "19C-S05"
