Narrative
String to Morocco
10. Cover design: engraving
Most books had gilt and/or blind engraving on the spine (e.g., title, author, volume) and sometimes on the front cover, accompanied by varying degrees and styles of ornamentation. Such additions went beyond identification; they could speak to the personal value of the work to the owner, the owner’s sense of individuality or self-worth, or even the representational value of the work as it reflected to others something about the owner.
