English printers' ornaments

"English Printers' Ornaments" by Henry R. Plomer is an exploration of the artistic embellishments found in English printed books across centuries. The book journeys through time, revealing the development and importance of decorative elements like borders and initial letters from the 1400s to the 1800s, and how they transformed over time into what we know today. The preface explains the difference between ornament and illustration, charting a course toward understanding the historical context and aesthetic value of these designs and how printing has shifted over time.