Lecture: Knight of the Folding Stick

John J. Bradford: A Knight of the Folding Stick
A Presentation by Jeff Peachey

In this illustrated lecture, book conservator and lapsed poet Jeff Peachey traces the life of John Bradford and interprets his bookbinding-centric poetry. Particular attention will be paid to the 19th century bookbinding tools he describes. 

Bradford was a lifelong journeyman bookbinder in early 19th century New York City. Not only are John Bradford’s poems a lot of fun, but his book is the earliest American description of bookbinding written by an actual bookbinder. Only twelve copies are held in institutions. Bradford was an odd character parts of the book are written in hieroglyphics. 

This presentation is based on his recent publication, “The Binder’s Curse: John Bradford and Early Nineteenth-Century American Bookbinding” In Suave Mechanicals: Essays in the History of Bookbinding, Volume 8. 

At the conclusion, we will read selections from “The Binder’s Curse” aloud. 

Join us for geeky bookbinder fun! Non-bookbinders are welcome.