The distinguished Dutch family of Elzevir (variously Elsevier or Elzevier) were booksellers, publishers, and printers in the 17th and early 18th century. They were renowned particularly for their miniature editions of classical books such as The Collected Works of Virgil and of contemporary scientific works by such forward thinkers as Rene Descartes and Galileo. The family’s most common printers’ mark was called “The Hermit” which shows a solitary figure standing under an elm tree and a fruiting vine bearing the motto Non Solus, or “Not Alone.” However, like many of their authors, Elzevir was under constant scrutiny by religious authorities in Catholic and Protestant countries at war with one another. When discretion seemed advised, the firm usually published under the globe logo pictured in our stain glass plaque. The name and publishing philosophy of the original family were adopted by a new firm in 1880, which has carried on the tradition of issuing high quality, science books. It is hard to date our plaque, but it was likely made in 1930s when Elzevir felt it was their moral duty to publish the works of exiled German scientists, also victimized by religious persecution & political extremism. It is a potent and topical reminder of the historic role that independent book publishers and sellers have always played in the cause of intellectual freedom. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: 6" x 9" when hung.