The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

ORIGINAL LEAF FROM THE GUTENBERG BIBLE
24. (Gutenberg Bible Leaf) Original Leaf from the Gutenberg Bible. Printed leaf, Folio 148 from Volume I,
being 2 Samuel, Chapter 3 (with parts of Chapters 2 and 4). With 2 hand-executed initials in red, one
on either side. 14½x11¾, set in custom-made burgundy cloth chemise and folding box.
[Mainz, Germany]: Johannes Gutenberg, c.1450-1455
Original leaf from the most famous book in the annals of western civilization, the 42-line
Bible of Johannes Gutenberg, acknowledged as the first book printed with moveable type. A
tremendous project, the culmination of years of effort and the toil of many workmen, the
printing of the Bible marked a turning point in the social, political, economic and religious life
of Europe. The dissemination of information which resulted from the advent of the printing
press, both religious and
secular, demolished many of
the boundaries which had for
so long held Europe stratified,
and set loose the full vigour
of the renaissance. Of the
production itself, Printing and
the Mind of Man (1) states
“Standards were set in quality
of paper and blackness of
ink, in design and professional
skill, which the printers of
later generations have found
difficult to maintain; it is only
in legibility of type that they
have been able to improve
on this, the first and in many
ways the greatest of all printed
books.” Original leaves
from the Bibles printed by
Gutenberg are justly prized,
and are a cornerstone of
any library concerned with
the evolution of the printed
book. Lightly foxed, a little
rough along one edge where
originally bound, a few tiny
chips and slight stains at lower
edge, very good condition.
Lot 24
(40000/50000)
25. (Haight-Ashbury - Communication Company) Mimeographed flyer headed ORDER OUT OF
CHAOS. Mimeographed flyer made from all-caps typescript, headed ORDER OUT OF CHAOS
and addressed to the people of San Franscisco, warning that the “City of San Francisco’s Health
Department/Police Department Combination Will Attempt, By Their Own Word, To Find What
They Consider Unhealthy Living Conditions in the Haight-Ashbury. The Health Department Is Not
Legally Required To Have, Or Use, Search Warrants....” The flyer goes on to consider the results of
such a crackdown in New York in 1959, “the Scene Was Killed, Macdougal Street Is Now a Tourist
Trap with Floursheim [sic] Shoe Stores Moving In,” and advises to “Avoid Any Contact With City
Authorities. If You’re Not At Home, They’ll Just Have to Come Back Some Other Time. If You’re
Never At Home, Inspection Cannot Take Place. Install a Peep-Hole. Clean Up! Clean Up! Clean Up!”
The imprint at the bottom, written, not typed, reads “Gestetered by the Communication Company
(U.P.S.)”. 11x8½.
San Francisco: 1967
Classic piece for the Haight-Ashbury of the 1960’s. Paper browned somewhat, a short marginal
tear, spot in the margin, else very good.
(200/300)
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