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Creator
Johnston, Paul, 1899-
Call number
MssCol 1580
Physical description
2.7 linear feet (7 boxes)
Language
Materials in English
Preferred Citation

Paul Johnston papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Paul Johnston (1899- ) was an American book designer and printer. In addition to founding several small presses, he edited, designed and printed books for various publishers. He wrote the standard work on typography, Biblio-Typographica, and his work as a printer and book designer was exhibited in the U.S. and abroad. Collection consists of correspondence, samples of art work, writings, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence, 1928-1979, is with publishers and book designers relating to specific projects and publications and reflecting Johnston's work and interest in printing and book design. Samples include his bookjackets, mockups and lettering. Writings are on typography, history of printing and manuscript preparation. Also, personal photographs, journals, monographs, and dummies.

Biographical/historical information

The American book designer and printer, Paul Johnston, who is also known professionally as "P. J. ", began his long career in New York at the Flying Stag Press. He founded several small presses, designed books for the University of North Carolina Press and other presses, and edited, designed, and printed for Random House the Poetry and Prose Quartos. Johnston also worked privately in this press/bookstore in Woodstock, N. Y., founded and edited The Book Collector's Packet, and co-founded Typophiles. He is the author of a standard work on typography, Biblio-Typographica, and his work as a printer and book designer has been exhibited in this country and abroad.

Scope and arrangement

The collection consists of material pertaining almost exclusively to Johnston's work and interest in the fields of typography and book design. Included are correspondence with publishers and book designers concerning specific projects and publications, writings, samples of his work ranging from designs for a completed bookjacket, mockups and lettering, articles on typography, printing history, and manuscript preparation. There is also printed material consisting of a few journals, monographs, and dummies and from correspondents include Elmer Adler, Bennett A. Cerf, Burton Emmett, W. A. Dwiggins, Desmond Flower, Eric Gill, Dard Hunter, George Macy, Francis Meynell, Oliver Simon, and D. B. Updike.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

May 15, 1979, Received from Paul Johnston (purchase)

Processing information

Accessioned by Susan Davis/Richard Salvato, 9-14-84

Separated material

(additional printed material in Rare Book Collection)

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328