Title Page Decoration, An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding

What it is

This is a decorative engraving from the title page of the first edition of John Locke's book An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, published in 1690. It does not show text but a printed design: a grid of thirty small black ornaments arranged in rows, each a symmetrical, florid printer's ornament with scroll-like shapes and fleur-like tops.

Why it matters

This decoration comes from the very first printing of one of the most important philosophical books in English history, written by John Locke and printed with Elizabeth Holt as printer. Such ornaments were a common feature of books of the period, used to decorate title pages and mark sections. Seeing the physical design of the first edition reminds students that books are made objects, shaped by printers and artists as well as authors.

Look closer

• Why might a printer choose decorative ornaments rather than leave blank space on a title page?
• What does this decoration tell you, or not tell you, about the ideas inside Locke's book?
• Who besides Locke contributed to making this book, and what does that tell you about how books were produced in 1690?