The Early History of Chicago Until 1865, Unique Fine Binding by Scott Kellar

Binding Details:  Early Chicago is a unique fine binding designed and executed by Scott Kellar in 2000. The book is bound in maroon goatskin with tan leather endbands. The front board is decorated with gold ruling and an inlaid black leather label with the title in gold gilt. Below the label is an embossment that states “When the Indians Left”. The back board is decorated with gold ruling and has an inlaid leather label with the authors and publisher in gilt. The page edges are colored blue and there are matching blue Bugra endsheets.  The book is housed in a custom made cloth covered clamshell box with a leather label containing the title and authors name in gold gilt. The book measures 8.5” x 10.75”

The binding was exhibited in 2000 with the Chicago Hand Bookbinders Exhibition.

Book Details: Published by Early Chicago Inc., Lake Forest, Illinois in 2000, A Compendium of the Early History of Chicago to the Year 1835 When the Indians Left is an encyclopedic arrangement of thousands of items of historical significance that offer interesting facts about the origins and early history of Chicago. With a focus upon the period prior to 1835, the book contains numerous illustrations in the style of the era, a timeline, maps, and a guide to local historical monuments. In his foreword, Major Richard M. Daley wrote, “For anyone interested in Chicago’s early history, this book is an essential reference. All of us owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Ulrich Danckers and Jane Meredith for bringing the beginning of the city’s remarkable story to life in these pages.

About the Artist: A master of traditional fine bookbinding, Scott Kellar has been working intimately with books for over 40 years. Introduced to bookbinding as a hobby in 1972, his commitment to the craft was immediate. While pursuing a career in book conservation, Scott’s love of books expanded into the realm of design binding, where the art of the binder becomes integral to the book, adding yet another layer of imagery and interpretation to the work of the author. As a result, his artistic works have been featured in book art exhibition venues local, national and international. Awards won include the ‘Coup De Coeur’ award at the Biennale Mondiale de la Reliure D’Art, The Society of Bookbinders Award for Forwarding and the Fine Binding J. Hewit & Sons Ltd. Award. His studio in located in Chicago where he also teaches to share both his skills and vision.

Condition Report: The binding, book internals, and custom clamshell box are in FINE condition.

Photographs of the binding and clamshell box appear in the photo section of the listing.