The Common Press: Being A Record, Description & Delineation Of The Early Eighteenth-Century Handpress In The Smithsonian Institution Harris, Elizabeth; Sisson, Clinton Printing History

First Edition, 1978. Book measures 10.25" x 14.25". First volume is a text of 62 pages and gives the history and specifics of the early 'common' hand press. Second volume includes 8 foldout drawings which open up to 17" x 22". The writer and illustrator write together: "In drawing up these plans and instructions based on the Ben Franklin press, our aim has been not only to record the manner in which an early eighteenth-century British common press was constructed, but also to supply sources and methods that will help the user to build a replica with as little difficulty and as few special tools as possible." Printed in an edition of 2000 copies by The Stinehour Press. Book design by Steven Harvard. Both volumes are Near Fine in a Fine Slipcase.