The Magazine of Science, and School of Arts

1840

Shoults Eb 1840 M

London: D. Francis

Many bindings produced in the 19th century did not have that ‘wow’ factor. Their main role was functional, protecting the text in the best format possible. This faded, battered green cloth binding on this first volume of the Magazine of Science and School of Arts (1840) is plain and ordinary, as befits a mass-produced low-cost title aimed at a growing reading public. However, on closer inspection, the cover has delicate patterns of foliage on both covers and spine which gives an added depth and detail to the design. As technologies improved, numerous patterns such as bead, bubble, criss-cross, honeycomb, and diaper styles evolved that aimed to beautify these more modest publications.