Overview
This monumental 1923 specimen book was conceived by typographic master William Dana Orcutt and Edward E. Bartlett to prove that mechanical typesetting could rival the finest hand-set Renaissance printing.
Identification
The Manual of Linotype Typography, Mergenthaler Linotype Company (1923)
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Published in 1923 by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company in Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by William Dana Orcutt and Edward E. Bartlett, this manual was designed to demonstrate that the Linotype machine could produce typography rivaling traditional hand-set type. It stands as a significant artifact of the 1920s printing industry and the mechanization of commercial typesetting.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Value in antiquarian books is heavily dependent on binding integrity, page crispness, and the absence of foxing or institutional stamps. The market evidence indicates that examples in 'Good' condition with moderate wear trade around $80, while 'Near Fine' copies with minimal spine tilt and clean pages command a premium above $110.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for early 20th-century typography and printing specimen books remains steady, driven by graphic design historians, typophiles, and collectors of printing history. While not highly liquid, definitive reference works like this manual have a reliable baseline value. Buyers typically source these through specialized antiquarian booksellers or online platforms like AbeBooks and eBay.
Value Drivers
▲ Exact match to a recognized 1923 foundational typography reference anchors the baseline value.
▲ Historical significance to graphic design and printing history ensures steady niche demand.
▲ Verified retail comps establish a tight, predictable pricing band based on condition.
Concerns
▼ Unverified provenance marks — the presence of ex-library markings or institutional stamps typically discounts antiquarian book values significantly.
Best Venue
Price at $110-$115 if the buckram cloth is clean and the hinges are tight, or $75-$85 if showing typical shelf wear. Ensure high-quality photos of the title page, the binding, and notable typographic specimens are included to attract design collectors.
Upside Potential
If the book is in pristine, unread condition with a flawless binding and zero foxing, or if it contains a notable provenance mark (such as a signature from Bartlett or Orcutt), it could push toward the $150-$200 range in a specialized typographic auction.