Alan J Nathanson, with a foreword by Peter A Clayton. Photography Frank Purvey. Published by Seaby Publications, London. 1975. HB (brown cloth with gilt-titled spine).  60 pages, illustrated with b&w photographs and line engravings. 180 x 245mm.  Spine of dj faded, or some creases, otherwise internally very good.

Few names are better known in the history of English numismatics and die-engraving than that of Thomas Simon. His expertise in die-cutting, combined with the technical skill of the French mint engineer Peter Blondeau, changed the face of the English coinage. His personal history is at times enigmatic and his fortunes under Parliament and King near tragic in the setting of the English Civil War and the Restoration.
Despite the innumerable difficulties placed in their way, between them, Simon and Blondeau transformed the medieval methods and practices of the English mint into the beginnings of the modern mechanized processes of today.  They produced coins and medals the design of which, coupled with precision striking, still delight us.
In addition to this Alan Nathanson explores Thomas Simon's life and work, his creation of dies for coins, medals and seals to give an impression of one of England's greatest engravers. Examples of all his major works are illustrated either from the actual coins and medals, or from George Vertue's highly accurate engravings.