DescriptionStrong's Book of Designs: A Masterpiece by a Master (in colors) by Charles J. Strong and L.S. Strong. Published by Frederick J. Drake & Co., Chicago, IL: 1917 (new and enlarged edition).Hardbound; Color and B&W illustrations; no page numbers(See also 2000.0009.0156 is an earlier edition and 2000.0009.0157 for later edition)"Bewildering collection of Modern Ornamental Art bristling with new and up-to-date ideas and designs of every conceivable nature. An invaluable art gem especially adapted to the requirements of the sign painter, show card writer, and commercial artist. Containing in all, air brush designs, posters, show cards, business cards, letter heads, sign ends, ribbons, scrolls, panels, book covers, hanging signs, theatrical designs. Also 33 pages of ornamental work (in colors) along with 9 brand new alphabets." "C.J. Strong was very influential in the sign world following the turn of the century. This book has been reprinted several times, however all the early editions were spattered with wonderful color plates. Strong was also responsible for the Detroit School of Lettering at this time. Original copies of this book are usually some of the most guarded in a collector's bookshelf. While fairly hard to find now, they seemed to be quite popular with sign makers of the day. The book has very little text, concerntrating on stron graphics and alphabets." -from signmuseum.com via The Wayback Machine