Ostend, B. D. Bricx, 1792. 4to (24.0 x 18.8 cm). Printed title/front wrapper, [iv] pp; 34 leaves with typefaces. Contemporary marbled spine cover.

An extremely rare work, displaying typeface specimens made by a newly established printer in the coastal town of Ostend [Oostende in Flemish; Ostende in French] in Flanders (Southern Netherlands, now Belgium). Ostende was not a town with a history of printing (Vandenabeele). According to Tholenaar, specimens from printers are rare. This collection of specimens, by Bernard Dominique Bricx, is the oldest recorded by Tholenaar (pp. 46, 62). Bricx (1762-1816) was a book dealer, publisher, and printer in Bruges, before he moved to Ostende. He arrived in Ostend in 1784 or just earlier, and three years later he acquired the right to print and publish. After his death the printing business was continued by his widow. Joseph II (German: Josef Benedikt Anton Michael Adam; English: Joseph Benedict Anthony Michael Adam; 1741-1790), who granted Bricx a patent, was Holy Roman Emperor from 18 August 1765 and sole ruler of the Habsburg monarchy, including the Austrian Netherlands (including Bruges and Ostend) from 29 November 1780 until his death. An excellent, clean, wide-margined copy, without foxing or toning. Superbly preserved. Tholenaar, J., in: Jong, C. W. de (ed.) (2009). A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles I 1628-1900, pp. 46, 62, 90-91; Vandenabeele, P. (1986). De Oostendse Drukkerijen (1780-1850), pp. 121-144.