Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-22
OUR MAIL POUCH.
oaxton'. Biosrnpher and BlblIosrupbsr.


To the Editor OF The Dispatchi
William Blades, whose unlocked Tor death
took place on April n at his homo at Sutton. In
Surrey. England. was born on December 0, 1874.
Al an early age no entered tho printing ofiioo OF
his father (ijiades q East) In London, becoming
pretty well acquainted with every branch OF tho
business, and finally succeeding 20 IL In oonnsc-
tIon with his brother. Rowland II. twho still
suryIyos), under tho firm name Of Blades, East
a Blades, No. II Abohurch lane. Tho same day
on which he was laid 10 rest In tho cemetery at
Sutton (Aprii 3o). was to have been celebrated
~ the Jubilee Of his introduction into the art
and mystery Of printing 20 years before.
Prominent 40 he was IN his profession as q
practical printer his fame will rest mainly upon
his ability as writer on the art he loved so
well, and in this particular the literature Of
typography has lost by his death one of It's most
ardent and learned disciples. Mr.. Blades FIRST
attempt at authorship was m introduction to q
unique volume from Caxton's press, which was
followed in ls6l-68 by his masterplece-"The
Life and Typography OF William Caxton, En-
glands First Printer''-published In two large
quarto volumes; not only model of research,
and the only worthy memorial of the prototy-
pographer. but which has proved to be the piO-
neer and exemplar for all subsequent bibllog;;
recast and published In two separate editions
(lS77-lS82), more easily attanable by the gen.
eral reading public.
His other most considerable work is "Monu-
menta Typographical. or the Medallic History
of Printing" (IS83) illustrated with nearly 200
engrayings, the originals OF nearly all of them
quarto also. with but limited edition. A
most delightful work is his Enemies of Books"
(lS8O), which has passed through three editions
and been translated into French and German.
His other works on printing are too numerous
to give IN detail in this sketch, the latest being
the use and Development of Signatures in
Books about six months ago.
Mr.. Blades library of books and pamphlets
on printing is unrivaled in England, or perhaps
In any other country. and probably was only
excelled by that of Richard NJ. Hoe, of New
York, which was dispersed year or two ago
upon the owners death. But unlike the latter;
Mr.. Blades books were for constant use; and
his love for and knowledge of them was so
great that he could lay his hand upon any one
at moments notice. He had lovingly and
systematically catalogued them with his own
hand, knew their history and contents and con-
stantly acted on the principle that II they were
worth owning they we're worth taking the best
care of. These books, valuable and rare and
beautiful as many of them were, were always
accessible TO his friends, and especially to the
seeker Of knOwledge-as selfshness was lot q
part Of their owners nature.
Mr.. Blades was always foremost In any effort
to ameliorate the condition OF the working
classes, and especially those connected with the
craft of printing. for many years being \
prominent member of the Printers PenBion 30
ciety. Of London. To him more than to any
one other person Is TO be attributed the success
Of tho Caxton Quarcentenary exhibition held
In London in 1877. when, through his untiring
exertipns were brought together tho greatest
number Of volumes from the press of Caxton
and other early English printers ever before
assembled.
Those who know Mr.. Blades personally testi-
fy TO his iargeheartedness, and speak OF lin a.
one "who had no greater ambition for himself
than that IL might be said OF HIM that he was y
good man" For 10 years correspondents OF
the deceased. and o recipient OF many OF his
literary efforts, the writer OF this sketch takes
this opportunity Of publicly acknowledging the
pleasure thus enjoyed and Joins with our kin
across sea" In their sorrow for tho untmey
loss to the world OF the genial and beneyolnni
printer, author, philanthroplAt, friend-WllL
lam Blades. j. 4. M.
PITTsBURo, May II.