The Berlin-based firm of W. Collin led by Wilhelm and Georg Collin and the antiquarian, author, and editor Ernst Collin were among the leaders in German bookbinding trade and writings about the trade from the mid-1800Õs into the mid-1930Õs. As court bookbinders to Prussian Kings and German Emperors, the firm of W. Collin was privileged with access to commissions based on royal patronage, connections no doubt instrumental in gaining customers from the private sector, and providing the opportunity to help set aesthetic trends and influence the direction of the trade. Born into this milieu, Ernst Collin wrote about the many changes to the bookbinding trade, the arts, economics, and politics, deftly melding these themes together.