Description:

In the nineteenth century, many departures of clipper ships were advertised by sailing cards. With their stunning appearance, rarity, and importance as artifacts of nautical, Western, and printing history, clipper cards represent classic ephemera and are highly prized by both private collectors and institutions. Clipper Ship Sailing Cards begins by tracing the history of the clipper ship, particularly as it relates to the California Gold Rush. It then does the same for clipper ship cards, documenting their development over two decades. The printing techniques employed to create clipper cards are examined, followed by chronicles of every printer and engraver known to have turned out clipper cards. All of this is a prelude to the exploration of the images and graphic design concepts that make clipper cards so intriguing. With 115 full-color illustrations, observations drawn from thirty years of study and research, and engaging writing, Clipper Ship Sailing Cards is the definitive work on this topic!