Top 25 Early Sign Making Books (and booklet sets)
by Mike Jackson, Golden Era Studios

This group was configured in two groups of 10, with the remaining five as booklet groups or series. The first group of ten are not necessarily in order of rarity or quality, but my top ten favorites from which I would probably look for inspiration first. The second set of ten are also good books and might have some sort of historical or stepping stone merit. The last group consists of smaller pieces that add up to a single element of worthiness.

1. Atkinson: Art of Sign Painting. 1909, 1915, 1929, 1937, 1983, 1985, 1991.

Probably the single most influential sign making book of its time. The beginning of the book worked as a textbook for learning the sign trade while the remaining section is loaded with outstanding period artwork and alphabets. Frank was responsible for most of the illustrations and alphabets but it is also interlaced with layouts designed by other outstanding designers of the time. Frank Atkinson also produced a variety of additional books on sign painting--all good-- but this one stands out of the group. Later editions also included a section of billboard designs.

2. Strong: Strong's Book of Designs. 1910, 1917, 1982.

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, concentrating on strong graphics and alphabets.

3. Henderson: Henderson Sign Painter. 1906, 1991.

Another of the sought after period books; originals are fairly scarce. R. Henderson seemed to be the person responsible for compiling the book of plates by various noteworthy sign designers of the time. The Denver artist, John Ohnimus, stands out among the group with striking images, lettering, and layouts. Original editions were printed with numerous color plates, however the 1991 edition printed by Signs of the Times was printed only in black and white. That version also included plates from another Henderson book called "The Signtist" (1905).

	4. Imelli: Alphabets and Layouts. 1922.
Al Imelli's book, produced about the same time as the above list, was equally loaded with unique alphabets, ornaments, and layouts. Printed by Signs of the Times, it was readily available and advertised within the magazine. Even with that exposure, it is very difficult to find now. Plate by plate, it is probably not as strong as the previous three but still very noteworthy.

5. Knopf: Coast Manual of Lettering and Designs. 1907.

Fred Knopf and J. M. Mahaffey compiled a wonderful book of layouts, designs, and alphabets using some of their own material and a "who's-who" list of outstanding sign designers of the period. This book rivals the best of Atkinson, Strong and the artists showcased in the Henderson books. This book is possibly the most rare of the top ten group and could be the best of the bunch. At this high of a level, it is still hard to pick a favorite.