Bibliophilia – Authors, Private Presses, Artists and Bookbinding

The world of bibliophilia encompasses far more than simply collecting old books. It brings together literature, typography, illustration, printing and bookbinding into a unique cultural history of the book. Bibliophilic books are characterized by exceptional design, high-quality materials, limited editions and artistic illustrations, making them highly desirable among collectors and libraries.

The Antiquariat Schmidt & Günther has specialized for many decades in rare books, antiquarian books, private press books, first editions and illustrated works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Collectors, bibliophiles and institutions will find with us a carefully curated selection of important works of book art and literary history.

Important Authors in Bibliophilic Collecting

Many bibliophilic collections focus on first editions of important authors. Among the most significant writers of German and European literature are:

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• Friedrich Schiller

• Thomas Mann

• Heinrich Mann

• Stefan Zweig

• Stefan George

• Hermann Hesse

• Franz Kafka

• Rainer Maria Rilke

• Else Lasker-Schüler

• Hugo von Hofmannsthal

• Theodor Fontane

• Eduard Mörike

• Friedrich Nietzsche

• Gottfried Benn

First editions of these authors are among the most sought-after items in rare book collecting and antiquarian literature.

Important Private Presses and Fine Press Printing

The private press movement emerged in the late nineteenth century as a reaction against industrial book production. Its goal was to restore the book as a work of art.

Among the most influential presses are:

• Kelmscott Press

• Doves Press

• Ashendene Press

• Bremer Presse

• Cranach Presse

• Officina Bodoni

Additional important presses and publishers include:

• Ernst-Ludwig-Presse

• Drugulin-Press

• Avalun Verlag

• Bauhaus-Verlag

• Drei Masken Verlag

• Propyläen-Verlag

• Kurt Wolff Verlag

• Insel Verlag

• Paul Cassirer Verlag

• Bruno Cassirer Verlag

These presses published many limited editions, illustrated books and fine press editions, which are highly valued among collectors of rare books.

Artists and Book Illustrators

Illustration has always played a central role in the history of the fine press book. Important artists who illustrated literary works include:

• Marcus Behmer

• Alfred Kubin

• Lovis Corinth

• Max Liebermann

• Gustav Klimt

• Paul Klee

• George Grosz

• Max Beckmann

• Oskar Kokoschka

• Max Slevogt

Illustrated editions by these artists represent some of the most beautiful examples of twentieth-century book art.

Bookbinding and Fine Bindings

Another important field of bibliophilia is the art of bookbinding. Fine bindings can transform a book into a unique artistic object.

Among the most important bookbinders are:

• Otto Dorfner

• Frieda Thiersch

• H. Fikentscher

• O. Herfurth

• Carl Sonntag jun.

Their bindings are regarded today as important examples of modern bookbinding art.

Rare Books and Antiquarian Books for Collectors

The Antiquariat Schmidt & Günther offers collectors, bibliophiles, libraries and institutions a carefully curated selection of:

• rare books

• antiquarian books

• private press books

• first editions

• illustrated books

• signed copies

• fine bindings

Many of our books originate from important private collections or estate libraries and are rarely available on the market.

Selling Rare Books

If you wish to sell rare books, private press books or a bibliophilic collection, the Antiquariat Schmidt & Günther is your reliable partner for the purchase of:

• rare books

• antiquarian books

• first editions

• private press books

• illustrated books

• estate libraries

We are happy to assist you with the evaluation of your books and collections.
Felix & Michael Schwarze