The Year in Review - 2024

At the end of the year, I have developed the habit of reviewing my private press acquisitions and thinking about what I acquired and why, hopefully gaining insight into my collecting. Why did I buy this book? Did it meet my expectations or was it an acquisition I didn't really need? How many books were the result of careful thought and how many were bought on a whim or hunch? Which books proved to be unexpected surprises, books I enjoyed far more than I had anticipated?

This end-of-year exercise has proven useful in providing insight into my current collecting and, hopefully, sharpening my focus for future acquisitions in 2025. In my case, I noticed the following:

1. I bought far fewer blockbuster, high ticket private press books than in past years.

2. A number of books - with apologies to Marlon Brando and the Godfather - were "offers I can't refuse." These were unintended purchases, books I acquired at auction that appeared interesting and were on the fringes of my radar screen that sold for ridiculously low hammer prices. In these auctions, collectors and bidders were distracted by other, more widely recognized classic private press books and overlooked a few gems. Several of these books were amongst my finest acquisitions in 2024.

3. My collecting shifted away from older, iconic private press books, i.e., the ones that populate the Grolier Club book "A Century for the Century - 1900 to 1999" to current offerings from active private presses. Over the past five years, several private presses have been founded or 'founded' their footing, developing into top tier private presses that I have been avidly collecting. The No Reply Press, St. James Park Press, Conversation Tree Press, Tudor Black Press and Barbarian Press all publish editions I rarely pass on.

With this I mind, I thought it would prove interesting to see what the collecting high points of other LT FPF-ers were in 2024. May I suggest the following:

Whether you added 10 or 100 books to your collection, select the three books (YES - ONLY THREE!!) that you consider your finest acquisitions in 2024 and then write a few sentences explaining why. By restricting yourselves to only three books, it will force you to sharpen your focus and carefully consider your choices. The point of this exercise is to introduce this forum to wonderful books that other collectors may have missed or not fully appreciated, books they may want to add to their collections. With this in mind, I will kick this off by listing and describing my top 3 book acquisitions in 2024:

1. Falls the Shadow. Six Essays by Shirley Jones, Red Hen Press, 1995.

Shirley Jones and Red Hen Press are the trans-Atlantic equivalent of Claire Van Vliet and the Janus Press. Jones has published artist's books from 1975 to 2016, founding the Red Hen Press in 1983. Jones works alone and does the book design, letterpress printing and binding, always using handmade papers and illustrating each book herself using a variety of media including mezzotints, aquatints, etchings, etc. This edition is a collection of six brief essays "which explores the gulf between Man's ideals and the realization of those ideals". Each essay is followed by a sepia mezzotint, then followed with a page of six brief quotations from a half dozen luminaries chosen from over the past thousand years. Each essay and mezzotint is interleaved with a page of Japanese Unryushi paper.

2. A South Italian Journey by Susan Allix, 1985.

Similar to Shirley Jones, Susan Allix publishes artist's books, creating the entire book herself including book design, letterpress printing, and binding. She has published for a half-century using the finest handmade papers and is especially known for her exceptional bindings which are full morocco or morocco and mixed media. As mentioned elsewhere, I consider Allix's books to be the Rolls Royce of artist's books. A South Italian Journey takes excerpts from the letters of Arthur John Strutt during his walking tour from Rome to Sicily in 1841, recording his observations and experiences. The text is brought to life with 34 of Allix's color intaglio and relief prints, then bound in full tan-orange morocco with colored onlays on both front and rear covers.

3. Watermark by Joseph Brodsky, Peter Koch Editions, 2006.

Watermark is/are Russian poet-in-exile Joseph Brodsky's lyrical meditations on Venice, a city he fell in love with after visiting several times, so much so that he chose to be buried there. The book is illustrated with 14 photogravures taken from photographs of Venice by Brodsky's American friend Robert Morgan, who had lived in Venice for thirty years at time of printing. Koch produced this edition in Fall of 2006 when he was Artist-in-Residence at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica Venezia. Exceptional care was taken in producing the photogravures using a complex process described in the link below (scroll halfway down to find it) and they are luminous. Interestingly, the Barbarians (Crispin and Jan Elsted) were also involved in the production. If you are familiar with the exceptional Dana Gioia edition 'Journeys in Sunlight' by the Ex-Ophidia Press and Richard-Gabriel Rummonds, this edition is 'Journeys in Sunlight' on steroids - an exquisite edition.

https://www.peterkochprinters.com/portfolio3.php

dlphcoracl

My big three were all recent publications.

1. Aeropagitica by John Milton, Ascensius Press (2024). Full leather binding, frontispiece by Barry Moser, handmade Twinrocker paper. Gorgeous typography, generous margins and borders around the text on each page. Easily my best acquisition of the year. Curiously, no solander or slipcase. I love Scott's work.

2. Billy Budd by Herman Melville, Pennyroyal Press (2024). quarter leather binding, 12 Barry Moser woodcuts printed on semi-handmade Washi paper. Herman Melville is by far my favorite author and this is my first Pennyroyal book.

3. A Bonsai-Shaped Mind by Marc Peter Keane, Nawakum Press (2024); Deluxe Edition. Richard Wagener woodcut art. Handmade Twinrocker and Japanese gampi paper. Gorgeous layout, fantastic woodcuts. A gem.

Clearly, woodcut art is my jam.

I have considered the question to be “which books have I enjoyed more than I anticipated”, which means that my upgrading of Fleece Press works, don’t make the list as I had a very good idea of what the difference would be. If I were to pick the “best three books I acquired this year”, then I expect that a Fleece Press work would have made this list.

1. The Death of Ivan Ilyich - No Reply Press

I have previously enjoyed reading Tolstoy’s works, but my other copy of this work had been translated by Maude. This translation (only available in No Reply’s version) is phenomenal and (to my mind) really elevates this into a great piece of literature. Everything about No Reply’s version delights, from the marbling on the front to the print work, however the translation acts as a catalyst to make this a must-have work.

2. Brief Loves That Live Forever - Foolscap

I held off from this, as I didn’t know the work (or the author), but eventually succumb and wanted to try something from the Foolscap press. A nice combination of text, binding and story made this one of the highlights of the year.

3. The Intruder - Midnight Paper Sales (deluxe edition)

A small work but perfectly formed. From a distance it isn’t a work that jumps from a shelf, but this story of a man who wishes to fish was hugely enjoyable.

I think a mention is deserved for Conversation Tree’s Press ‘Flower for Algernon’ and their lettered version. I think that this was the best designed binding on a book that was released this year.

A really difficult task, Oracle, as there are some very special items all jostling for the positions. I really wish I could make it a ‘top ten’, but here are the three I think I shall settle on.

Sue Leigh ‘Simmer Dim’
Printed by Evergreen Press for self-publication by the author, 2024.
An impeccable example of less-is-more excellence in fine press, showing that slighter, simpler items can hold position among the ‘big boys’. Sue’s wonderful poetry, set with restrained, classical typography, and beautifully printed on one of the finest handmade papers I have seen makes this an item I have frequently pulled from the shelf.

John Milton ‘Areopagitica’
Ascensius Press, 2024
Scott Vile’s books have had my attention from the first time I saw one about twenty years ago, but this really takes the biscuit. The typography, presswork, materials and binding are all beyond exceptional, making this jaw-droppingly beautiful edition of Milton’s classic a highlight of my whole collection, let alone just books from this year.

‘From California’ by Dana Gioia and Richard Wagener
Printed by Classic Letterpress and Richard Wagener for publication by the Book Club of California, 2024.
This joint project between Dana Gioia, who is one of my favourite poets, and the master wood engraver Richard Wagener, effortlessly ticks all the right boxes for me. I have only had this for a couple of weeks, but I just can’t leave it alone. The fine typography and presswork aptly honour Dana’s excellent poems and Wagener’s engravings — immaculately printed by himself — are absolutely on another level.

(My apologies, Oracle, but I can’t not let ‘Death of Ivan Ilyich’ from No Reply Press and ‘Stilt Jack’ from Gaspereau Press get honourable mentions as both are truly magnificent editions that were just fractionally pipped to the post!)

I'm waiting for From California (recommended by ChestnutPress, see above) to arrive so that might sneak into the top 3 when it arrives!

1. Sudden Immobility, Molly Holden, Barbarian Press, 2021, 1 of 72 deluxe copies

When originally released, I was still finding my feet in the world of fine press so passed on this. I'm very pleased to have been able to rectify that mistake. A book of elegance and taste. Beautiful poetry, refined typographic design, lovely engravings in harmony with the text. My first Barbarian, definitely not the last (I hope!). I would have been happy with the standard, deluxe was a bonus.

2. Theseus, André Gide, Yolla Bolly Press, 1998, 1 of 85 numbered copies

A huge fine press book with magnificent, dramatic lithographs by Sidney Goodman. All underpinned by superb printing of the text on heavy mouldmade Somerset paper. A true 'wow' book if ever I saw one.

3. Ornata, John Grice, Evergreen Press, 2016, 1 of 99 copies

A beautiful, treasure-trove of a book that is also deepening my appreciation and understanding of fine press in general. That makes it a special acquisition - a book that enhances other books! I'm still taking it all in. My thanks to the kind collector who gave me a heads-up about a copy of this difficult-to-find edition.

(honourable mention: Cresset Press Apocrypha)

A slightly unorthodox list, but there you go.

1. Princes and Castles (Gwasg Gregynog) and Moving (Nomad Letterpress) - Pairing these as both are illustrated by Hilary Paynter. The first is one I've coveted for a good while and was finally able to get directly from GG this year when they reopened their store. The second was released in this year, which is why I felt it needed to be called out, in addition to its excellence.

2. The Death of Ivan Ilyich (No Reply Press) - Something of a populist choice here, given all the (deserved) praise it has garnered on the forum. I foolishly failed to pre-order it but was able to secure a copy in the end, and am glad I did. It is probably the finest NRP work to date, and I look forward to it being surpassed in the coming year as Griffin's talents continue to grow.

3. Two Sisters (Effra Press) - It was a pleasure to discover the idiosyncratic works of typecaster Nick Gill this year. While his latest work Monologue for voices also deserves mention, I was especially taken with Two Sisters, with its suite of original alcohol ink prints tipped-in to each edition. They complement the text beautifully and make each copy truly unique.

Also needing mention is We Owe the Dead the Truth, the first imprint publication from Interrobang Letterpress and a lovely publication which bodes well for the future output of the press. And had The Ethics of Ambiguity (No Reply Press) or (S)worn State(s) (Salvage Press) made it out this year, I would fully expect them to be on this list.

2024 personal collecting observations:
A year of focused patience – fewer acquisitions with an eye toward a prioritized list of titles in the very best condition possible. That said, book number two was a serendipitous find from a collecting colleague that was barely edged out by a long sought after title that rarely appears in the secondary market.

1. "The Play of Pericles Prince of Tyre", Shakespeare, William. Barbarian Press, 2009. One of twelve specially bound deluxe copies. After a six-year long search, success.

2. "The Book of Common Prayer", Updike, D. B. (designer and printer). The Merrymount Press, 1930. One of 500 copies. This title was not on my “Top 20” list but acquired via a fellow book-collecting friend under strong recommendation. In 'as new' condition, it is a typographical masterpiece of understated elegance, befitting of its purpose.

3. " A Bonsai-Shaped Mind & Postures of the Heart", Keane, Marc Peter. Mixolydian Editions and Nawakum Press, 2024. One of 20 “Engraver’s Edition” copies. A book that lands squarely at the intersection of two of my passionate outside interests: Bonsai and Fine Press. Richard Wagener’s engravings of trees that I have come to know and love at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way, WA add the final ingredient to make this title a 2024 favorite.

These entries are superb. Let’s see loads more!!

1. La Commedia, Dante, Alberto Tallone, 1967-68, small folio, 3 vols. One of 700 (764) copies, vellum-backed boards with vellum tips. One of the finest poets ever. I prefer the original to translations and Dante's enchanting flow of poetical language and images is a pure joy. The last great production of Alberto Tallone, who died in 1968. Letterpress. Wonderfully usable for recitation, even in such a large format.

2. Beato de Liébana: Códice Alcaíns: Apocalipsis de San Juan, M. Moleiro Editor, dated 1997, issued 2000, folio, from the original hand-written & illustrated by Javier Alcaíns (pen name of Javier Martín Santos) in 1997-98, one of 477 copies signed by the author, gilt embossed full black morocco with matching leather case. Modern work inspired by the medieval Spanish tradition. For me this is the most enjoyable illuminated edition of Apocalypse.

3. The Wood Engravings of Frank Martin: A Selection of the wood-engravings, small woodcuts, linocuts & vinyl engravings, and a Catalogue of all the Relief Prints compiled by Hal Bishop, Previous Parrot Press, 1998, small folio, exemplary copy in full goatskin with a blocked design from a woodcut by Frank Martin, incl. portfolio of 8 signed engravings. One of the masters of wood-engraving. Not letterpress, but what a fine production!

Last year was a slow one for me, for various reasons, acquisitions few, but notable, if restricted in source.

Herewith my three for '24:

1. Runian. Poems by C. Mikal Oness. Bergamot Press, 1999. Edition of ~126 copies from hand set Lutetia on dampened Johannot. Lovely little squarish book with interesting images by Brad Naragon.

2. Daubeny, Erich. Two Tales of the Supernormal and the Inexplicable. Last Press, 2024. 6.625 x 4.875 inches; 47 p. ~70 copies superbly printed in Perpetua types on Velata Wove and Iyo Glazed papers by Chad Oness.
  This is one of 27 copies on Velata Wove sewn by long-stitch into University of Iowa Center for the Book pc4 flax paper case wrappers with a foredge enclosure secured by a coconut shell button engraved with the Sutton Hoo Press stag.
  I love this book. It is superbly printed as usual and the stories are very entertaining. I look forward to more from this author.

3. Ecclesiastes. Sutton Hoo Press at the Last Press, 2024. Wood engravings by Ladislav Hanka. Approx. 100 copies printed by Chad Oness in hand set American Uncial and Joanna types on handmade Iyo Glazed paper. This is one of 60 copies in a limp binding of handmade Indian vegetable rush.
  Hanka has done work for Chad several times and is becoming a favorite artist of mine. This is a large (9.25 x 11.5 in) but slim (28 p) book superbly designed and printed. The Iyo Glazed is a marvelous paper that Chad has used many times. This one should be in any collection devoted to fine printing.

Among other things that L. Hanka has illustrated for Chad are several issues of Quire from Chad's The Last Press and Ramsey Campbell's The Decorations which was issued under the Alpenhouse Apparitions imprint.

I will note that there was one other significant acquisition way back in January and that was Peter Everwine's What a Word Dreamt: Versions of Aztec Poetry, also from Chad at Sutton Hoo. I bounced around between this and Ecclesiastes as to which would make the list. A bit of a toss-up, really.

Who's next?

It was a good collecting year, but with all the great finds and new releases, about all I can narrow it down to are 1. my top 2024 publication and 2. my top secondary acquisition of the year:

1. A Bonsai-Shaped Mind by Marc Peter Keane, from the Nawakum Press (2024) - Standard Edition. One of Nawakum's finest books yet, a true treat for nature and tree enthusiasts, and another testament to how David Pascoe is perhaps the best in the business at drawing together different artists, authors and artisans and integrating their works into something truly special.

2. Walls: A Journey Across Three Continents by Tom Killion, from the Quail Press (1990) - Lettered Edition. This one has been on my in-search-of list for several years and did not disappoint. Not only extraordinary (and extrordinarily well-presented) artwork throughout, but also wonderfully insightful writing at the intersection of travel, nature and global politics.

2024 was a relatively slow year for me, but I did pick up a few very pleasing volumes. The best are:

1. The Dunwich Horror, H.P. Lovecraft, Heavenly Monkey Press (2024) - Just a beautiful, luxurious produciton of a great tale. Every detail hits the mark for me, from the vintage Barcham Green paper to the perfect printing, to the sublime aquatints to the hand-painted paper on the slipcase. My second HMP title, the first being The Shadow Over Innsmouth, and definitely the year's highlight.

2. Dubliners, James Joyce, Limited Editions Club (1986) - A classic example of the early output of Benjamin Shiff's tenure at the LEC. Luxury materials (Magnani paper, Oasis goat) beautiful design, excellent printing, great photogravures -- and a great read (and re-read), to boot. I'd been waiting a long time to find an an affordable copy in fine condition, and this was a very satisfying addition to my collection.

3. Antigone, Sophocles, Allen Press (1978) - I love (love!) the Allen Press, but this is a title I'd resisted for years, due to my general dislike of uncial typefaces. I overcame my prejudice, and was more than pleasantly surprised. Of course, the amazing quality of the Allens' work didn't hurt... :-) Any year that sees another Allen Press title in my hands is a good one.

>11 NathanOv:

NathanOv's description of David Pascoe and his Nawakum Press is squarely on the mark and a recurring theme on FPF over the past 1-2 weeks is the very high regard collectors have for his newest edition 'A Bonsai-Shaped Mind'. Pascoe's ability to design a beautiful book, then select the finest and most appropriate private press craftspeople, e.g., letterpress printers, artists & wood engravers for illustrations, handmade papers, bindings, etc., and seamlessly bring it all together is unparalleled. The Nawakum Press books are expensive, typically more than 2x the cost of other fine private press editions, but they are a league apart, truly quite special. If one of his books registers with you, as 'Cascadia' did for me, they are certainly worth a splurge.

In no particular order:

Cinamon (2012). E R Weiss: the Typography of an Artist. Incline Press

More than just another (finely printed) bibliographic study. A complex assembly using a variety of fine papers, various methods of illustration reproduction, many tipped in elements, and so forth. Weiss did the LEC Four Gospels, one of the standout early gems from the press.

Dante (1958). The Comedy of Dante Alighieri. Grabhorn Press

Printed without illustration in three volumes on lovely English mould-made paper. I haven’t read this verse translation by Mary Prentice Lillie yet, but glancing at a few familiar cantos suggests it will be a pleasure.

Bacon (1928). The Essayes. Cresset Press

Folio-sized volume bound in full vellum with pleasingly heavy boards. Notable for the creative and dramatic display typography.

Honorable mentions: HM Dunwich Horror and Lyra’s Oz (numbered edition).

>14 abysswalker: Yes, that Weiss book from Incline is a pip, for sure! Crazy awesome!

>14 abysswalker:
>15 Glacierman:

If you enjoyed E. R. Weiss : The Typography of an Artist, look for New Borders: The Working Life of Elizabeth Friedlander, Incline Press (1998). Similar to the E. R. Weiss book, it is a tribute book to a pioneer woman in typography who studied typography and calligraphy under E. R. Weiss at the Berlin Academy. Her life and story are more interesting, her skills and artistic contributions were more far-ranging, i.e., she designed patterned papers for the Curwen Press, etc., and the book design and execution (with 80 tip-ins that are more varied and colorful than in the Weiss book) are even finer.

In my opinion, this book is the Magnum Opus of Graham Moss and Incline Press.

In no particular order;

Wrenching Times from Gregynog in a limited fine binding done at the press. I have become an admirer of Gaylord Schanilec printed images. I see a vibrancy in his work that appeals to me. I suspect this will not bode well for my wallet in the coming year

Mappings Golgotha from Gregynog. I do like Brockway’s work and also the poems of Owen and have both separately. This book however, gave me the chance to combine both. For me, a match made in heaven.

Frozen Hell from Arête, in the Roman Edition state. Everything is loud and proud with this one. Certainly a tour de force of binding. Whether in 100 years it will become a classic collectors item, only time will tell.

I can't say that what follows are the finest three 2024 additions based on the quality of their production. Rather, they are the finest in terms of what they offer me as a reader, collector, and enthusiast.

The first is The Stackpole Legend by Wendell Berry from Gray Zeitz at Larkspur Press. I was fortunate to acquire one of the 98 special copies. Wendell Berry is my favorite American author. Everything I read of his work broadens, deepens, or otherwise enriches my perspective. The marbling on the boards of this edition is exceptional.

The second of my finest acquisitions of 2024 is Colin Franklin's Beekeeping Diary of Early Summer from Bob Baris at the Press on Scroll Road. Mr Baris operates what is perhaps my favorite press (it would be his or Whittington Press) and a number of my favorite books in my library are his work. Abigail Rorer's engravings in this are beautiful.

My final finer acquisition this year is The Psalms of David from Arion Press. There is not much that I can say about this beautiful production that hasn't previously been covered on this forum and others, perhaps most notably here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/346458#7998847 and here: https://booksandvines.com/2011/10/27/the-psalms-of-david-and-others-arion-press/

>18 jbrnewman: I can’t speak for the Arion Press item, but I think you understate the quality of the other two. Both Grey Zeitz and Bob Baris make superb fine press editions. They are excellent typographers and printers that use fine materials and illustrators. I would actually go as far as to say that Baris is one of the finest hand press printers out there.

>18 jbrnewman: I'm glad to see Larkspur Press get a mention, they very nearly made my list as well. They are a bit of an "artist's artist" kind of press, perhaps not as well known as some presses but highly respected by those in the trade. I always look forward to their next release.

1. The Death of Ivan Ilyich (No Reply Press) - This epitomises the sort of book I want in my library and is the standout of the year for me. Great literature, expertly crafted with care and quality materials (and a new translation). The marbled paper is probably my favourite within my collection. Literature of this length is a rare luxury in the true private press world.

2. Selected Shore Plants of Southern California (Weather Bird Press, 1992) - I love the (16 I think) linocuts in this one, and the educational contents. Books like this (and Sylvae for example) represent beautiful and ambitious labours of love that I think encapsulate many of the best (and most charming) characteristics of fine press.

3. Frozen Hell (Arete Editions) - When I think about my new books this year, this one impressed me more than I expected it to. Partly because it just felt different to many of the other longer (fine press) works I've received recently (from the likes of Lyra's, Conversation Tree, or Amaranthine etc.) - for example the very wide margins and effort spent optimising the display of the artwork. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on Arete going forward.

In no particular order:

- 1984 by SJPP. While technically published earlier, it only arrived this year. I don't think I need to spend time on this one as it's been well covered in other threads

- Emily Dickinson poems from Tallone Editore. Again a fairly well known book, a typographical masterpiece, beautiful and clean.

- Above the Oxbow, Sylvia Plath, Catawba Press (1985). As a fan of both Plath and Moser, this edition just ticks all the boxes for me. One of 325 copies, letterpress printed by Dan Keleher at Wild Carrot Press, bound by Barbara Blumenthal at Catawba Press. Quarter cloth over paper boards.

>11 NathanOv: Walls: A Journey Across Three Continents

Congrats! This is one of a must have books for me. It will be hard to find an affordable copy.

My three picks from the year's (modestly sized) set of acquisitions.

1) I Fioretti Del Glorioso Poverelolo di Cristo T. Francesco di Assisi - Ashendene Press. I actually bought three Ashendenes this year, but this one was my favourite because the engravings and type sit so beautifully together.

2) Sartor Resartus - Doves Press. Just beautiful type.

3) Narratives of the Wreck of the Whale Ship Essex - Golden Cockerel Press. I love Gbbings' engravings and Owen Chase's narrative was surprisingly human and compelling in a world of dry nautical histories.

>24 ubiquitousuk: magnificent trio!

>19 ChestnutPress: I should clarify that it's not my intention to understate the quality of Mr Zeitz' or Mr Baris' work. They are two of my three favorite book artists. Rather, I don't consider myself qualified to speak on the finest books I own or have seen. I don't yet have a keen enough eye nor enough experience to be confident in my judgment of the quality of a book. But I do know what I like.

>20 Shadekeep: I absolutely love the books I have from Larkspur Press. Mr Zeitz (and his friendship with Wendell Berry) is perhaps the biggest reason that I started collecting and reading fine press books.

>26 jbrnewman: Well you clearly have very decent taste in what you like. I’m interested to know the third person in your top three bookmakers.

Fun topic, >1 dlphcoracl: , and a nice end-of-the-year exercise that made me appreciate my purchases anew. In order of acquisition:

"Hunkering, The Last Gabberjabb" (Perishable Press, 2006), the eighth volume in what Hamady had once described as "a series of playful books that perhaps parody the structure and parts of the book." The special collections librarian at the U of Wisconsin, William Bunce, called them Hamady's autobiography, but in code. I think the Gabberjabbs collectively (especially the final four) are one of the greatest statements in the history of the book-as-art, blending Hamady's neo-dadaist vision and his impeccable design, typesetting, printing, paper/ink selections, collage, etc. "Hunkering" has all of that (and more!) crammed in its 160 "activate page surfaces" with a touching nostalgia/reflection (and sometimes with his vitriol) from the printer of over 40 years. Hamady prints images from a childhood photo album of his family that are breathtaking. All 550+ footnotes from the Gabberjabbs are printed at the end in some of the most beautiful blocks of prose (in 6-pt. Clarendon and Sabon) I've ever seen. I sold off a rather large box of books to buy this one and couldn't be happier with it.

"John's Apples" (Perishable Press, 1996), thirteen paintings by John Wilde, twelve poems by Reeve Lindbergh. This is one of my favorites from the Perishable Press, the primary focus of my collecting interests. Described thusly by Hamady "a book ostensibly for children, specifically those of well-to-do graphic designers ... that physically and visually shows how books come to be, from ideas to alphabets to words and pictures in an unshrouded bound structure." A book that shows proofs of the six-color Heidelberg printing of the Wilde paintings in a section that has hand-stamped instructions to cut the signature, only later to have the poems (printed in Syntax) reappear, this time on very fine Sekishu paper that shows through beautifully to the paintings. The conception of this book and the friendship/ collaborations between Hamady and Wilde is recounted in a later Perishable P. book, "A Hamady Wilde Sampler/ Salutations 1995" (2001), another favorite of mine. I'd been trying to acquire a copy for almost four years now, and after a few near-purchases fell through over that time, I finally have it and love it.

"Neruda" (unique artist's book, Debra Weier, 2000). A book with intricate pop-ups and string configurations on every page. Besides the heavy green paper wrappers, the entire book is comprised of collages, with many elements coming from Weier's "Las Piedras del Cielo / Skystones" (Emanon Press, 1981), poems by Pablo Neruda printed in Spanish and English (transl. by Ben Belitt) on color etchings, in pop-ups, etc. That work was an edition of 60. "Neruda" dramatically unfolds the different parts of that earlier book, collecting test-prints and fragments of the two-color etchings in a 16 page sequence that has Weier's characteristically beautiful pop-ups and string compositions (tension and relief from turning the pages, a feature that Weier has been incorporating in her books at least as long as Keith Smith, famous in the artist's book world). I have several of Weier's works, both editioned and unique, and she consistently executes books that are both sculptural (open a page-spread and stare in awe at the 3-D structure!) and cinematic (one cannot anticipate what the next turn of the page will bring).