Historical book reissued

By father Christiaan, Amsterdam-born Jan Christiaan Sepp was initiated into the study of nature and the art of drawing. Published in 1776, his ''Book of Marble'' was considered one of the best illustrated scientific books of the time. TASCHEN decides to reissue the book after nearly 300 years.  

Jan Christiaan Sepp was the eldest son of Christiaan Sepp, a respected collector who gained his reputation through publications on scientific topics. One of these is Dutch Insects. Son Jan Christiaan was born in 1739 in Amsterdam, he married Sara Focking, daughter of an Amsterdam paper seller. It was Jan who created the visual masterpiece Marble Species created. A visual anthology about 570 types of marble, from all over the world. Only 100 copies were printed. But getting your hands on the rare book is therefore now still possible....

Like hot cakes 

Published at the height of the Enlightenment in 1776, scientific thinking from rationalism and empiricism was central. This created a new worldview based on a strong reliance on reason and overall progress in science, education, social reform and politics. Visually appealing books that categorized and annotated thus went over the counter like hot cakes. Books by father and son Sepp offered education to many people who did not have access to such collections of rare and exotic items. 

Under the name The Book of Marble, the scientific masterpiece anno 2023 returns in a (semi) new edition. In the new edition, published by TASCHEN, the hand-drawn plates create an abstract art feel. By fully reprinting the work for the first time, The Book of Marble says it brings the rare blend of beauty and encyclopedic knowledge to a wider audience.