john henry nash (1871-1947) was a fine printer. he was born in woodbridge, ontario, canada and left school at sixteen to apprentice as a printer. in 1895, he arrived in san francisco, where he was to develop his reputation. with bruce brough he founded the twentieth century press. in 1903, nash was approached by paul elder, an established publisher who had printed some of his publications with twentieth century, and who had just dissolved a publishing partnership.. elder became a partner in twentieth century press, which was renamed tomoye press, and nash became a partner in the newly formed paul elder & company. nash designed and typeset many of elder's most enduring publications.