S-K 1139. Limited to only 200 numbered copies, one of the rarities of bookbinding reference books. (Brenni no. 773). This library was founded in the 16th century and had grown to about 7000 volumes when Oldham wrote this book. The bindings are especially impressive and include a large number of early English bindings that had been bound expressly for the school library by early English binders. Oldham comments in his introduction on methods of distinguishing English from foreign bindings. All the bindings illustrated are gilt stamped or blind-stamped; plates showing just rubbings of specific tools follow the plates of bindings to help the reader follow Oldham's logic in assigning specific tools to specific binders. Creme-colored spine is slightly age darkened with spots at heel.