Fine calligraphic manuscript on parchment being a retirement book for William Henry Nobbs, School of Agriculture, Cambridge University

[Cambridge: published by written and illuminated for the School of Agriculture June, 1949. Parchment bifolium (approx. 12¼" x 9¾"), with fine manuscript calligraphy by Will Carter, the initial word, the letters of the recipient's name and two later capitals written in blue or red, these decorated with an intricate, foliate design in green, yellow, brown and red, this decoration also used as tailpiece; bound together with 10 leaves containing 110 mounted signatures of those who had offered plaudits and praise for Mr. Nobbs, at the end of which is Carter's manuscript statement "Written out and illuminated by Will Carter, June 1949." Bound in full red crushed (truncated) morocco with single gilt rule on covers, upper cover with the University of Cambridge arms stamped in gilt, spine with five raised bands, the dentelles with elaborate gilt design (those at front with a touch of worming), the front pastedown with a red morocco label bearing the recipient's name lettered in gilt, the typescript of the address for Nobbs (by Sir Frank Engledow) laid in at rear, cloth slipcase with a little wear and one small crack; near fine throughout. William Nicholas Carter (1912-2001) was one Britain’s most accomplished letter carvers and calligraphers, and was the founder of the Rampant Lions Press. He was the younger brother of John Carter, the bookseller and author of the ubiquitous ABC for Book Collectors, and a cousin of Reynolds Stone, the letter carver. His work extended beyond printing, into calligraphy, letter-cutting and type-design. Over the years he produced many calligraphic book jackets and title pages, particularly for Cambridge University Press and Chatto & Windus. "We are, in fact, neglecting a wonderful opportunity of enlivening our printed matter with a letter form which is the natural development of the incised roman capital…" he wrote in an article published in the 1954 edition of The Penrose Annual. "The penman of today has lagged behind the times, steeped in too much medieval clutter…Calligraphy must not be allowed to decline…let us get busy and sharpen it alright so that it can serve us well, for it is a good tool." A handsome example of Carter excellent and elegant calligraphic skills. (Inventory #: 59852)