Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford: "Dangerously Near to Absolute Perfection"

Host: Tim Harford
Produced by: Pushkin Industries
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Dangerously Near to Absolute Perfection," Tim Harford delves into the intriguing and cautionary tale of the Doves Press—a venture that epitomized the pursuit of aesthetic perfection in printing but ultimately succumbed to human flaws and obsessive behaviors. This story not only highlights the beauty and craftsmanship of the press but also serves as a profound lesson on collaboration, ambition, and the destructive nature of obsession.

The Genesis of the Doves Press

Emory Walker and Thomas Cobden Sanderson:
The narrative begins in London, tracing back to a pivotal lecture by Emory Walker at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in November 1888. Walker, a skilled printer and photographer from a working-class background, impressed the esteemed audience with his comprehensive history of type design and printing. His presentation underscored the decline of quality in printing due to mass production, resonating deeply with William Morris, a luminary of the Arts and Crafts movement.

William Morris's Influence:
Inspired by Walker's insights, Morris established the Kelmscott Press, aiming to elevate books to works of art. Walker's expertise in typeface design played a crucial role in developing the golden type—a beautiful, dense black type inspired by 15th-century Venetian designs.

Formation of the Doves Press:
After Morris's death, Thomas Cobden Sanderson, a Cambridge-educated lawyer-turned-artist, envisioned a new direction. Unlike Morris's medieval revival, Cobden Sanderson sought a more modern, light-filled aesthetic. His ambition led to the creation of the Dove's Press in September 1899, supported financially by his wife, Annie Cobden Sanderson.

Notable Quote:
Thomas Cobden Sanderson expressed his enthusiasm in September 1899, "Won't it be fun? Quite a new business we all want. Wondering what great book we shall begin with. Perhaps it will be the Bible. Oh, to be in love."
[Timestamp: 12:34]

The Pursuit of Perfection

The Doves Bible:
The Doves Press's flagship project was the Doves Bible, published in 1903. This masterpiece featured the Doves typeface—a harmonious blend of elegance and simplicity devoid of illustrations, emphasizing clean lines and subtle serifs. Critics hailed it as "dangerously near to absolute perfection" due to its flawless design and aesthetic brilliance.

Collaborative Efforts:
The creation of the Doves type was a collective endeavor. Cobden Sanderson provided aesthetic direction, while Walker oversaw production and collaborated on enlarging Venetian type designs. Annie Cobden Sanderson financed the venture, ensuring its continuity despite the high costs associated with producing such exquisite yet expensive books.

Notable Quote:
Cobden Sanderson, reflecting on the Doves Bible, remarked, "The first page of the Doves Bible hits like a divine thunderclap in the beginning... It is one of the most celebrated pages in the history of printing."
[Timestamp: 25:50]

The Rift: Perfection vs. Pragmatism

Growing Tensions:
Despite their successful collaboration, differing work ethics and expectations began to strain the relationship between Walker and Cobden Sanderson. Walker, a consummate professional, believed in meticulous oversight of every printed sheet. In contrast, Cobden Sanderson, though passionate, prioritized perfection over practicality, leading to frequent frustrations.

Clashing Visions:
The crux of their discord lay in Cobden Sanderson's perfectionism versus Walker's pragmatic approach. Cobden Sanderson resented Walker's perceived lack of involvement, while Walker found Cobden Sanderson's demands and criticisms increasingly difficult to reconcile.

Notable Quote:
In a 1902 letter outlining his grievances, Cobden Sanderson wrote, "You objected to the adoption of the original edition of Paradise Lost for our edition... You said it will never do."
[Timestamp: 42:10]

The Destruction of Doves Type

Breaking Point:
The financial strain of maintaining the Doves Press, despite critical acclaim, led to mounting frustrations. In 1916, at the age of 76, Cobden Sanderson embarked on a desperate mission to ensure that the Doves typeface would never be used again. His plan was to destroy the metal type by disposing of it in the River Thames.

Execution of the Plan:
Over six months, Cobden Sanderson made numerous clandestine trips to Hammersmith Bridge, covertly transporting over a ton of metal type to be discarded in the river. His journals detail the meticulous and unwavering commitment to this act, leaving no room for second thoughts or reconsideration.

Notable Quote:
Describing his determination, Cobden Sanderson wrote, "I have to see that no one is near or looking... The work of a moment."
[Timestamp: 58:45]

Aftermath and Legacy

Consequences:
The destruction of the Doves typeface marked the end of the Doves Press. Emory Walker, who remained dedicated to preserving the essence of book beauty, eventually became a revered figure in the arts community, while Cobden Sanderson's legacy was marred by his obsessive actions.

Rediscovery of Doves Type:
Nearly a century later, type designer Robert Greene unearthed remnants of the Doves type in the River Thames. Driven by both professional curiosity and a personal quest to resurrect the lost beauty, Greene painstakingly reconstructed the typeface, culminating in a digital version that honors the original craftsmanship.

Notable Quote:
Robert Greene reflected on the legacy, "The most beautiful thing he created he doesn't want to share... There's only so far you can get by copying the inked letters on a page."
[Timestamp: 1:10:30]

Final Reflections:
The episode concludes by contrasting the lives of Walker and Cobden Sanderson, highlighting how Walker's amiable nature and dedication to beauty contrasted sharply with Cobden Sanderson's destructive obsession. Marion Tidcombe's definitive history underscores the tragic loss inflicted by human flaws, serving as a timeless cautionary tale about the perils of compromising integrity and collaboration.

Conclusion

"Dangerously Near to Absolute Perfection" serves as a profound exploration of the intersection between artistic ambition and human imperfection. Through the rise and fall of the Doves Press, Tim Harford eloquently illustrates how the pursuit of beauty can be both inspiring and destructive, offering valuable lessons on collaboration, obsession, and the enduring impact of our choices.

References:
For a comprehensive list of sources and further reading, listeners are encouraged to consult the show notes available at timharford.com.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and organized to capture the essence and key moments of the episode.