John Bender was a connoisseur like Alfred Fowler. "One who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge." As such, he gained much pleasure from learning how an etching or an engraving was created, what kind of metal plate was used, how the ink was prepared, the type of papers used for printing, and the different impressions that could be made from the same plate. He acquired reference books. Some of which were difficult to find. His library had a number of out-of-print volumes.
Bender was curious and more than eager to pass on this contagious attribute to ordinary folks like you and I. Through small booklets you could hold in your hand, 4 3/4 by 6 inches, you were given access to an exciting world.
For more on Levon West, click HERE.
On occasion Bender used humor.
(definition on connoisseur, www.Merriam-Webster.com, accessed December 23, 2010. Fine Prints, December 1931, pg 2-6, February 1932, pg.22, courtesy of Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, 14 West 10th St, Kansas City, MO, accessed December 4, 2010. Private Holdings, http://privatelibraryholdings.com/id84.html, accessed November 19, 2010. C.A. Seward, 1884 - 1939, http://www.casewardprintmaker.com/artists_letters/Levon_West_lttrs_2_2_2.html, accessed December 26, 2010)
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