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The Curious Lore of Precious Stones
Catalogue of the Collection of Glass Formed by Felix Slade
This is an illustrated catalog of the significant glass collection of Felix Slade (1790-1868), noted philanthropist, bibliophile, and collector of engravings and etchings, whose scholarships formed the London Slade School of Art. He prepared the Slade Catalogue of his glass collection, edited after his death, which he hoped would “be useful in encouraging the study and practice of this country (England)." In the preface, he explains his early attraction to Venetian glass, and expanded his scope to include specimens of various ages and countries.
Beyond Extravagance
This catalog highlights a spectacular collection of Indian jewels owned by the ruling family of Qatar, the House of Thani. Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani acquired a vast collection of Indian jewelry including some the world’s rarest pieces. He now owns a large number of jeweled objects that originally belonged to India’s Mughal rulers. There is no comparable collection .The catalog itself is also quite stunning, with full-page illustrations of exquisitely detailed Mughal miniatures and intricate jeweled objects.
Dinner for the Directors of the Philadelphia & Havre de Grace Tow-Boat Co.
The Philadelphia & Havre de Grace Tow-Boat Company hauled goods between the two cities. The Company's first annual report listed hardware, dry goods, coal, oil, hides, etc.
Histoire de la Table
This beautifully illustrated volume gives an historical overview of European dining customs from the Middle Ages through present day. Many pages feature artworks depicting dining scenes paired with photographs of food and drink related objects from the time period to provide a sumptuous picture of “la table” through the ages. The French text gives detailed information on eating habits as well as tablewares including porcelain, glassware, silverware, textiles, and even furniture.
The Imperial Russian Dinner Service
From a limited edition of 300 copies (1909), this substantial volume tells the story of the 952-piece dinner service created by legendary potter Josiah Wedgwood for Empress Catherine II of Russia. Known as the "The Frog Service," it was the most ambitious commission Wedgwood had undertaken, and required more than 1,200 illustrations of English manor houses.
