Born in 1907, Gotthard de Beauclair spent most of his life learning about calligraphy, printing, typography, and book design. With his expertise and skillful technique, he produced some of the finest examples of limited edition books. Even now, his work stands as a model for superior bookmaking.

This catalogue includes an Introduction by Hermann Zapf and a brief history of de Beauclair's work as a student, typographer, designer, and bookmaker. It lists his endeavors at the Insel Verlag, the Stempel Typefoundry, various publishers, the Trajanus Presse, and others. A section of illustrations is also included. The book was set in Aldus, a typeface designed by Hermann Zapf (Gotthard de Beauclair was also instrumental in the font's conception).

While the leading book designer in Gernmany, Beauclair is not as well known in the United States. Many presses in Germany and around the world have given up the tradition of printing from metal type by letterpress. Run now as industrial companies, publishing companies are often merged focusing on mass production over quality. This book brings to light the typographic work used in Beauclair's exceptional publications in hopes of demonstrating that fine editions can still be produced today in exquisite detail, even despite the ever-growing technologies.