The Whisper: A Magazine of brief practical suggestions for Bookbinders,

Vol 1, No.1-12, all published, one of 400 copies, numbered and signed by author on wrapper verso, original printed wrappers, no.3 top cover detached, 12mo, New York, June, 1901-May 1902

EXTREMELY SCARCE COMPLETE RUN

The Whisper was produced by German born Louis H. Kinder as an instructional supplement for bookbinders. As a skilled bookbinder who worked for the Roycrofters from 1897 to 1911, Kinder hoped to circulate the methods of bookbinding that were taught at the Roycroft Trades School.

Each monthly issue provided instructions for one binding technique. “Original prospectuses for The Whisper indicate that Kinder intended to publish five volumes over a 5 year period. Each volume was to comprise 12 monthly issues. Due to slow sales, only 12 monthly editions (one volume) of The Whisper were printed. The twelve issues produced were from June 1901 until May 1902. The price per volume was to be $5.00 paid in advance and it appears many bookbinders were hesitant to pay this amount in advance for information that they may or may not use. The magazine/periodical was published by Kinder himself, with payments directed to his wife, Julia Metzer Kinder. Like other Roycrofters, he had his own cottage industry on the side. Interestingly the booklets were printed by Advertiser Print in East Aurora and not the Roycroft for whom Kinder worked. All 12 booklets were printed in an edition of 400. On page 181 of volume #1, Kinder noted that this volume would be the only volume produced.” – Middleton, 25.

Kinder’s work eventually evolved into the important Formulas for Bookbinders (1905), achieving his goal to spread the techniques of the Roycroft Movement.