Abrahams, H.A.
Miniature Book, 1806 | Zedelijke bedenkingen en spreuken. Middelburg, H.A. Abrahams, 1806. (Gildeproef).
Miniature book, 64° (6.3×5 cm.), (6) 10 47 (1) pp., bound in contemporary cardboard with yellow-colored edges. Dedicated to the Commissars of the craftsmen’s association of book printers, bookbinders, and book buyers: J.M. van Schoor, J.C. Altorffer, J.J. van de Sande and A.P. de Winter. Foreword dated 29-3-1806. Minor scuffs to the binding; otherwise in very good condition.
This miniature book, a “gildeproef”, provides a unique example of an official submission to join the craftsmen of book printers in Middelburg. In the foreword of his submission, H.A. Abrahams (1785-1874) recalls that the city council had passed a law 3 years prior mandating such “tests” before citizens could “freely exercise any art, craft, etc.” As the son of the well-established printers Johannes Abraham (?-1787) and Johanna Maria Hackenberg, H.A. presents what seems to be a satirical “proef”: a 64° format edited in the style of a folio. His choice both (literally) minimizes the task at hand and demonstrates his expertise in his family’s craft.
B1873 – Gildeproef – gilde – miniatuur boek – handenarbeid – gilden – H.A. Abrahams
SKU: 50962
H.A. Abrahams went on to publish many important works on Zeeland. He also continued to publish the Middelburgsche Courant, which gained prominence during the time as an important publication in the political and cultural sphere.
€ 490,50 (€ 450,00 ex. btw)