A Complete Course of Lithography – Alois Senefelder – 1819 | Illustrated First English Edition

A Complete Course of Lithography by Alois Senefelder is the earliest manual of its kind, written by the inventor of lithography. First issued in English in 1819, this book covers the development of lithography as well as techniques used in the process. It is illustrated with lithographic plates and showcase the methods and artistic approaches. The fine modern leather binding makes this book an impressive display.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Complete Course of Lithography: Containing Clear and Explicit Instructions in All the Different Branches and Manners of That Art: Accompanied by Illustrative Specimens of Drawings
• Author(s): Alois Senefelder
• Contributor(s): Friedrich Schlichtegroll (Preface); Alois Senefelder (Translator)
• Publisher: London, 1819
• Edition: First English Edition, 1819
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Binding: Modern leather with marbled boards
• Size:  11 in x 9 in (28 cm x 23 cm)
• Collation: [xxvii], [1], [2], 85, [91]-342, [2] pp
• Illustrations: 14 lithographic plates including frontispiece
• Contents Include:
  • Preface by Friedrich Schlichtegroll
  • Senefelder’s history of the invention of lithography
  • Practical guide to lithographic drawing and printing
  • Illustrative specimens of technique

Condition:

Near Fine. Modern leather with marbled boards, binding tight and secure. Title page and frontispiece show some loss of text. Contents otherwise complete with plates intact and pages stable.

Why Collect This?

• First English edition of a foundational printing text
• Authored by the inventor of lithography
• Includes original plates demonstrating techniques
• Landmark work in the history of graphic arts

Item Number: #29223