1.—LINE ENGRAVING.
The majority of the earlier book-plates are engraved, or cut into the plate entirely with the graver, and may properly be termed line engraving par excellence.
As early examples of this style of work we are enabled to give reproductions of several book-plates, viz., [Kress of Kressenstein, by Hans Troschel, 1699], p. 28; [the portrait plate of Samuel Pepys], by Robert White, p. 31; [two plates engraved by Hogarth], pp. 40-41. The Ex Libris of [William Cowper, Clerk of the Parliaments]; Edward Loveden Loveden; —— Barrow; and Henʸ Jamˢ Pye, also illustrate the quality of line or graver work alone. The examples interspersed in the text carry their own explanation.
As modern examples of this style we are enabled to give several characteristic varieties—the library interior of W. H. K. Wright, by J. E. Wood, of Plymouth, and a number designed by the writer and engraved by Marcus Ward & Co., Limited, printed by lithography—all of which will be found useful as keys to the style of handling of graver work alone, and in combination with etching.
Among the chief exponents of the art may be mentioned the name of C. W. Sherborn, who is facile princeps as an engraver of heraldic subjects. One of his smaller works, engraved in pure line, appears facing page 27, the dainty [crest plate of R. Day, F.S.A.], printed direct from the copper-plate; a favourite old toast, in playful allusion to the wings in the crest, doing duty as a motto.