The Harper establishment; or, How the story books are made 1855

"The Harper establishment; or, How the story books are made" is a wood-engraving by Jacob Abbott, dated 1855 and currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The detailed illustration depicts a worker carefully removing a sheet of paper from a marbling bath, illustrating the process of marbling book covers. Abbott, a prolific author and illustrator, likely included this illustration in one of his popular educational books for children, aiming to visually explain the complex art of bookmaking. The image provides a glimpse into the industrial processes of 19th-century book production, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind the creation of printed materials.