Subscribers are informed that I am prepared to bind these pamphlets in durable styles, ornamented with designs made expressly for this publication. I will send a messenger with samples if requested by letter to do so.
Subscribers residing out of the metropolis are cautioned not to entrust the binding of their book to binders unaccustomed to binding large volumes, more particularly works containing a multitude of full-page engravings printed on heavy-plate paper; and they are infomred that they can have this publication bound by me at New York rates, if they will send me the pamphlets by my carrier.
Subscribers residing in New York, or other large cities, are warned against people who come to their doors offerieng to bind their books at a price far below that at which it is possible to do satisfactory work; for such people often mean to keep these books, and intend never again to return them, either bound or unbound, to their legitimate owner.
Selmar Hess, publisher,
New York.
I know that in the 19th century, people often bought books in paper covers and had their local stationers bind them. What I didn’t realize that there were unscrupulous folks who’d steal your book.
And what’s so special about New York rates anyway?
Selmar Hess apparently specialized in publishing illustrated works. In addition to Great Men and Famous Women he also published Animate Creation — a series of volumes with stunning chromolithographs. Unfortunately, I can’t find any non-commercial information about him or his works.