The Grabhorn Press - ClassicLiterature.com

Grabhorn Press
The Grabhorn Press was one of the most influential and celebrated fine/private presses in 20th-century America, renowned for its exceptional typography, innovative design, hand-set type, and high-quality craftsmanship. Founded by brothers Edwin Grabhorn (1889–1968) and Robert Grabhorn (1900–1973), it began as the Studio Press in Indianapolis around 1916–1918 before relocating to San Francisco in 1919 (some sources cite 1920). The press operated under its own imprint until 1965, producing hundreds of titles—many in very limited editions (often 200–400 copies)—that embodied the spirit of the private press movement with elegant layouts, decorative elements, and collaborations with artists.

The Grabhorns emphasized creative, playful typography (sometimes called “allusive” or experimental), using a wide variety of types, ornaments, and colors. They acquired notable typefaces (including some from John Henry Nash) and worked with illustrators like Valenti Angelo, Mary Grabhorn (Edwin’s wife, who contributed woodcuts and decorations), and others. Much of their output was commissioned by publishers (e.g., Random House), clubs (e.g., Book Club of California, Roxburghe Club), or for special occasions, but they also issued their own landmark books.

After Edwin’s death in 1965, the press closed, but Robert partnered with Andrew Hoyem to form Grabhorn-Hoyem Press (1966–1973), which evolved into the Arion Press—still active today. The Grabhorn legacy continues through the Grabhorn Institute (founded 2000), which preserves historic equipment like M&H Type foundry and promotes book arts.

The best places to find Grabhorn Press books online are:
eBay Books

Popular Grabhorn Press Books
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (1930) — A magnificent folio edition illustrated with wood engravings by Valenti Angelo. Widely regarded as one of their masterpieces for its bold design and integration of text with art.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane (1931, for Random House) — Features striking illustrations and typographic flair that highlight the press’s innovative style.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (various editions/collaborations) — Often cited among their commissions for major publishers.
Books with Japanese woodblock influences, such as Ukiyo-e: “The Floating World” (1962, for the Book Club of California) — Illustrated with rare reproductions of prints by great masters; one of the last major works with contributions from Mary Grabhorn.
Designs from the Ancient Mimbres (1949) — Features bold, primitive-style illustrations inspired by ancient pottery motifs.
Early works like Diogenes in London by Robert Louis Stevenson (1920)
Limited editions for the Book Club of California, such as leaf books or bibliographies
Shakespeare plays (e.g., series in the 1950s with colorful, modernist illustrations)

The press also produced important bibliographies (e.g., Bibliography of the Grabhorn Press, 1915–1940 by Heller & Magee, and the 1940–1956 supplement), which are collectible themselves and include specimens of their printing.