1dlphcoracl
Little Treat #5:
Prayers Written at Vailima by Robert Louis Stevenson, Melville Press, 1999.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was born into a strict middle class Scottish Presbyterian family in 1850. Throughout his childhood and his entire life he was sickly, often bedridden, beset by chronic pulmonary problems (note: RLS was thought to have had chronic tuberculosis; however, more current thought suggests that he may have actually had pulmonary sarcoidisis). He entered Edinburgh University in 1867 with a tacit understanding with his father that he was pursue a similar career as a civil engineer. However, RLS quickly adopted a more bohemian lifestyle and decided he wished to pursue a literary career instead. This met with disapproval from his father who insisted that he study for the Bar to obtain a law degree, giving him a respectable profession to fall back on should his literary career fail.
Although best known for his fantastical and adventure novels, RLS was also an accomplished travel writer, made all the more remarkable because his travel was severely hampered by his chronic health problems. Stevenson seems to have been possessed by a restless spirit that impelled him to always be on the move. He undertook a series of truly strange adventures and trips vividly described in his books 'An Inland Journey', 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes', and 'The Silverado Squatters', describing his honeymoon with his new bride Fanny Osbourne as they occupied a rundown shack on the other side of Mount Saint Helena in California. When not engaging in strange, rather aimless trips he and Fanny frequently criss-crossed the Atlantic between California and Scotland and Great Britain. All the while, his pulmonary condition continued to worsen, eventually resulting in RLS being either bedridden or hospitalized between 1880 to 1887 due to recurrent episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage. In a perverse way this proved to be a boon to his literary career because there was little else RLS could do but write. His output was prolific and he authored his most enduring novels during this period of declining health, including: Treasure Island (1883), Kidnapped (1886), Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) , and The Black Arrow (1888).
In 1888, Stevenson's literary muse appears to have deserted him and he would never write a novel of this caliber again. Simultaneously, RLS realized that he could no longer tolerate cold or damp climates without seriously jeopardizing his life. In an attempt to regain some measure of his failing health, he and his doctors decided that he move to a warmer climate. In May 1888, he and his wife Fanny, his stepson and his mother chartered a yacht in San Francisco, traveling to the Marquesas Islands and Hawaii before eventually settling down in Samoa in December 1889. After traveling to Sydney, Australia, he returned to Samoa to settle permanently in 1890. He purchased an estate in Apia, Samoa, and lived with his wife Fanny in a rough cabin under primitive conditions while work clearing his 300-acre estate and building a proper house proceeded.
From his arrival in 1889 until his death in 1894 his paternalistic attitude toward the native Samoans changed rapidly from thinking of them as "noble savages" into developing an understanding and appreciation of their native culture. In particular, he was taken and moved by their religious rituals, incorporating their daily prayers into his own family and Samoan household of servants. Stevenson believed in the power of prayer, especially as it related to his failing health, and composed religious services in his home based upon the Samoan traditions, transcribing these prayers into the English language. By now, Stevenson realized that his pulmonary problems prevented him from ever leaving his warm equatorial climate in Samoa and that he would never see his native Scotland again. Stevenson would live another four years until he died suddenly from an acute cerebral hemorrhage in 1894. Following his death, his wife Fanny arranged her husband's Samoan prayers, added a heartfelt introduction describing their daily prayer ritual and final months on their estate in Vailima (in the hills of Apia, Samoa). They were subsequently published in 1905 by Chatto & Windus (London).
This edition of 'Prayers Written in Vailima' was published by the Melville Press in 1999. The Melville Press was founded by artist Catherine Kanner as a vehicle to exhibit his linoleum cut and woodcut prints. The letterpress printing and bookbinding were outsourced to expert hands (note: the final Melville Press book published in 2003, a collection of Dylan Thomas poetry, was printed and bound by Lawrence Van Velzer and Peggy Gotthold at the Foolscap Press). Although not a printer, Ms. Kanner's talents as an artist were unfailing and the three books published by the Melville Press between 1996 to 2003 demonstrate highly innovative book design and superb choices with regard to selection of papers and materials. Although this appears at first glance to be a small, innocuous private press book it is anything but. The book design is superb and every detail has been carefully considered and executed. In reality, despite its 'Little Treat' size this is a private press book of the highest caliber. As described in the letter which accompanied each slim volume:
"The design of this edition from The Melville Press reflects the beauty and simplicity of R.L. Stevenson's prayers. Catherine Kanner began her design with linoleum cut illustrations of Mrs. R.S. Stevenson's introduction. These images carry the reader to the island of Vailima and up to the Stevenson home where the prayers were read by the family and their Samoan staff and friends. Each of the prayers is accompanied by a picture which reflects Stevenson's deep appreciation of his island home. The images were printed letterpress from Ms. Kanner's original cuts. The cover of the book is brick red silk, blind stamped with a double orchid. This orchid is repeated on the dust jacket. Thai red endpapers with mango leaves suggest the forest floor. Bonnie Thompson Norman of The Windowpane Press printed letterpress on handmade Hiromi Sansui rice paper (exquisite!!). The paper was selected for its lightness and softness, as if a prayer offered up to heaven. The typeface is Bembo. Allwyn O'Mara has French folded the signatures, binding within each fold an inter-leaving paper to promote opacity (note: so that the dense blacks from the linoleum cuts do not show through to the text of the prayers). The signatures were sewn with a 13th century technique which allows the pages to fall open completely. A red silk ribbon is included for marking the prayers. The book has been designed with a Polynesian motif and includes 21 original linoleum cut illustrations by award-winning artist Catherine Kanner. The text was the last of Stevensons work, written in Samoa."
I will add that the dustwrapper is also made of handmade Japanese paper with the titling and orchid design printed letterpress. After publishing three books under her own imprint, Catherine Kanner closed the Melville Press to return to her principal career as an artist and book illustrator full time. She is currently Design Director for the Los Angeles Ballet while maintaining her career as a freelance artist.
Photographs to follow.
Prayers Written at Vailima by Robert Louis Stevenson, Melville Press, 1999.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was born into a strict middle class Scottish Presbyterian family in 1850. Throughout his childhood and his entire life he was sickly, often bedridden, beset by chronic pulmonary problems (note: RLS was thought to have had chronic tuberculosis; however, more current thought suggests that he may have actually had pulmonary sarcoidisis). He entered Edinburgh University in 1867 with a tacit understanding with his father that he was pursue a similar career as a civil engineer. However, RLS quickly adopted a more bohemian lifestyle and decided he wished to pursue a literary career instead. This met with disapproval from his father who insisted that he study for the Bar to obtain a law degree, giving him a respectable profession to fall back on should his literary career fail.
Although best known for his fantastical and adventure novels, RLS was also an accomplished travel writer, made all the more remarkable because his travel was severely hampered by his chronic health problems. Stevenson seems to have been possessed by a restless spirit that impelled him to always be on the move. He undertook a series of truly strange adventures and trips vividly described in his books 'An Inland Journey', 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes', and 'The Silverado Squatters', describing his honeymoon with his new bride Fanny Osbourne as they occupied a rundown shack on the other side of Mount Saint Helena in California. When not engaging in strange, rather aimless trips he and Fanny frequently criss-crossed the Atlantic between California and Scotland and Great Britain. All the while, his pulmonary condition continued to worsen, eventually resulting in RLS being either bedridden or hospitalized between 1880 to 1887 due to recurrent episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage. In a perverse way this proved to be a boon to his literary career because there was little else RLS could do but write. His output was prolific and he authored his most enduring novels during this period of declining health, including: Treasure Island (1883), Kidnapped (1886), Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) , and The Black Arrow (1888).
In 1888, Stevenson's literary muse appears to have deserted him and he would never write a novel of this caliber again. Simultaneously, RLS realized that he could no longer tolerate cold or damp climates without seriously jeopardizing his life. In an attempt to regain some measure of his failing health, he and his doctors decided that he move to a warmer climate. In May 1888, he and his wife Fanny, his stepson and his mother chartered a yacht in San Francisco, traveling to the Marquesas Islands and Hawaii before eventually settling down in Samoa in December 1889. After traveling to Sydney, Australia, he returned to Samoa to settle permanently in 1890. He purchased an estate in Apia, Samoa, and lived with his wife Fanny in a rough cabin under primitive conditions while work clearing his 300-acre estate and building a proper house proceeded.
From his arrival in 1889 until his death in 1894 his paternalistic attitude toward the native Samoans changed rapidly from thinking of them as "noble savages" into developing an understanding and appreciation of their native culture. In particular, he was taken and moved by their religious rituals, incorporating their daily prayers into his own family and Samoan household of servants. Stevenson believed in the power of prayer, especially as it related to his failing health, and composed religious services in his home based upon the Samoan traditions, transcribing these prayers into the English language. By now, Stevenson realized that his pulmonary problems prevented him from ever leaving his warm equatorial climate in Samoa and that he would never see his native Scotland again. Stevenson would live another four years until he died suddenly from an acute cerebral hemorrhage in 1894. Following his death, his wife Fanny arranged her husband's Samoan prayers, added a heartfelt introduction describing their daily prayer ritual and final months on their estate in Vailima (in the hills of Apia, Samoa). They were subsequently published in 1905 by Chatto & Windus (London).
This edition of 'Prayers Written in Vailima' was published by the Melville Press in 1999. The Melville Press was founded by artist Catherine Kanner as a vehicle to exhibit his linoleum cut and woodcut prints. The letterpress printing and bookbinding were outsourced to expert hands (note: the final Melville Press book published in 2003, a collection of Dylan Thomas poetry, was printed and bound by Lawrence Van Velzer and Peggy Gotthold at the Foolscap Press). Although not a printer, Ms. Kanner's talents as an artist were unfailing and the three books published by the Melville Press between 1996 to 2003 demonstrate highly innovative book design and superb choices with regard to selection of papers and materials. Although this appears at first glance to be a small, innocuous private press book it is anything but. The book design is superb and every detail has been carefully considered and executed. In reality, despite its 'Little Treat' size this is a private press book of the highest caliber. As described in the letter which accompanied each slim volume:
"The design of this edition from The Melville Press reflects the beauty and simplicity of R.L. Stevenson's prayers. Catherine Kanner began her design with linoleum cut illustrations of Mrs. R.S. Stevenson's introduction. These images carry the reader to the island of Vailima and up to the Stevenson home where the prayers were read by the family and their Samoan staff and friends. Each of the prayers is accompanied by a picture which reflects Stevenson's deep appreciation of his island home. The images were printed letterpress from Ms. Kanner's original cuts. The cover of the book is brick red silk, blind stamped with a double orchid. This orchid is repeated on the dust jacket. Thai red endpapers with mango leaves suggest the forest floor. Bonnie Thompson Norman of The Windowpane Press printed letterpress on handmade Hiromi Sansui rice paper (exquisite!!). The paper was selected for its lightness and softness, as if a prayer offered up to heaven. The typeface is Bembo. Allwyn O'Mara has French folded the signatures, binding within each fold an inter-leaving paper to promote opacity (note: so that the dense blacks from the linoleum cuts do not show through to the text of the prayers). The signatures were sewn with a 13th century technique which allows the pages to fall open completely. A red silk ribbon is included for marking the prayers. The book has been designed with a Polynesian motif and includes 21 original linoleum cut illustrations by award-winning artist Catherine Kanner. The text was the last of Stevensons work, written in Samoa."
I will add that the dustwrapper is also made of handmade Japanese paper with the titling and orchid design printed letterpress. After publishing three books under her own imprint, Catherine Kanner closed the Melville Press to return to her principal career as an artist and book illustrator full time. She is currently Design Director for the Los Angeles Ballet while maintaining her career as a freelance artist.
Photographs to follow.
4dlphcoracl
Binding with brick red raw silk cloth and embossed orchid design:
5dlphcoracl
Handmade Thai paper with embedded mango leaves:
6dlphcoracl
Frontispiece linoleum cut portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson.
7dlphcoracl
Title page.
8dlphcoracl
Introduction by Fannie Stevenson
9dlphcoracl
Introduction by Fannie Stevenson.
11dlphcoracl
Prayer recited "For Grace".
12dlphcoracl
Illustration for "For Grace".
13dlphcoracl
Prayer for "At Morning".
14dlphcoracl
Illustration for "At Morning".
15dlphcoracl
Prayer for "Evening".
16dlphcoracl
Illustration for "Evening".
17dlphcoracl
Prayer for "In Time of Rain".
18dlphcoracl
Illustration for "In Time of Rain".
19dlphcoracl
Colophon.
20dlphcoracl
Macro photo #1.
21dlphcoracl
Macro photo #2.
22dlphcoracl
Macro photo #3.
23gmurphy
>1 dlphcoracl:
Greatly enjoyed these “Little Treats” posts. In my view,the ‘Three Erfurt Tales’ was the pick of the bunch,and it’s now on my “to buy” list. Hopefully,more to come?
Many thanks for all your posts which have resulted in an uplift in activity on this forum,which I greatly enjoy reading. I wish that the Books & Vines website was still active (however,it’s still an outstanding reference for Fine Press books). On that website you covered 7 books in your “Great Illustrated Private Press Books” series. I’d love to know what further books you’d have included in this series,had it continued.
Gary
Greatly enjoyed these “Little Treats” posts. In my view,the ‘Three Erfurt Tales’ was the pick of the bunch,and it’s now on my “to buy” list. Hopefully,more to come?
Many thanks for all your posts which have resulted in an uplift in activity on this forum,which I greatly enjoy reading. I wish that the Books & Vines website was still active (however,it’s still an outstanding reference for Fine Press books). On that website you covered 7 books in your “Great Illustrated Private Press Books” series. I’d love to know what further books you’d have included in this series,had it continued.
Gary
24dlphcoracl
>23 gmurphy:
As advertised at the beginning of the week, the Little Treat series will continue for the remainder of the week with a new entry posted each evening.
Later today, I plan to formally introduce LT Fine Press Forum readers to Chris Adamson's now-defunct Books and Vines website (see link) and briefly describe how to access the treasure trove of articles and reviews Chris wrote over a six year period. It remain the premier internet source of useful information for collectors of modern (1890 to present day) private press books.
In a second (separate) post I will also introduce LT FPF readers to my fledgling Books and Vines series entitled: "The Great Illustrated Private Press Books". This series was intended to bring the pinnacle of modern private press books into the living rooms of B&V readers, books that are unaffordable for most collectors and/or exceedingly difficult to collect. The intent was to provide a bit of serious eye-candy and also illustrate what the truly iconic books that serious collectors lust after are all about. I had written seven articles in this series before Chris Adamson closed shop with B&V. These articles will be listed and linked in the post later today.
There were numerous candidates on tap for future articles in this series and almost certainly would have included:
1. Urne Buriall and the Garden of Cyrus, Cassell and Co, Ltd.(1932). Illustrations by Paul Nash.
2. Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometheus, Pennyroyal Press (1982). Illustrated by Barry Moser.
3. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Pennyroyal Press (1985). Illustrated by Barry Moser.
4. The Holy Gospel According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Officina Bodoni (1962). Illustrated with recarved medieval wood engravings originally made by Bartolomeo di Giovanni.
5. The Play of Pericles, Barbarian Press (2011), illustrated by Simon Brett.
6. The Lamentations of Jeremiah, Gregynog Press (1933). Illustrated by Blair Hughes-Stanton.
7. The Revelation of Saint John the Divine, Gregynog Press (1932). Illustrated by Blair Hughes-Stanton.
8. Paradise Lost, Golden Cockerel Press (1937). Illustrated by Mary Groom.
9. The Mabinogion, Golden Cockerel Press (1948). Illustrated by Dorothea Braby.
10. The Noble and Joyous Book Entytled Le Morte Darthur, Ashendene Press (1913). Illustrated by Charles M. and Margaret Gere.
So many books, so little time.......... .
As advertised at the beginning of the week, the Little Treat series will continue for the remainder of the week with a new entry posted each evening.
Later today, I plan to formally introduce LT Fine Press Forum readers to Chris Adamson's now-defunct Books and Vines website (see link) and briefly describe how to access the treasure trove of articles and reviews Chris wrote over a six year period. It remain the premier internet source of useful information for collectors of modern (1890 to present day) private press books.
In a second (separate) post I will also introduce LT FPF readers to my fledgling Books and Vines series entitled: "The Great Illustrated Private Press Books". This series was intended to bring the pinnacle of modern private press books into the living rooms of B&V readers, books that are unaffordable for most collectors and/or exceedingly difficult to collect. The intent was to provide a bit of serious eye-candy and also illustrate what the truly iconic books that serious collectors lust after are all about. I had written seven articles in this series before Chris Adamson closed shop with B&V. These articles will be listed and linked in the post later today.
There were numerous candidates on tap for future articles in this series and almost certainly would have included:
1. Urne Buriall and the Garden of Cyrus, Cassell and Co, Ltd.(1932). Illustrations by Paul Nash.
2. Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometheus, Pennyroyal Press (1982). Illustrated by Barry Moser.
3. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Pennyroyal Press (1985). Illustrated by Barry Moser.
4. The Holy Gospel According to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Officina Bodoni (1962). Illustrated with recarved medieval wood engravings originally made by Bartolomeo di Giovanni.
5. The Play of Pericles, Barbarian Press (2011), illustrated by Simon Brett.
6. The Lamentations of Jeremiah, Gregynog Press (1933). Illustrated by Blair Hughes-Stanton.
7. The Revelation of Saint John the Divine, Gregynog Press (1932). Illustrated by Blair Hughes-Stanton.
8. Paradise Lost, Golden Cockerel Press (1937). Illustrated by Mary Groom.
9. The Mabinogion, Golden Cockerel Press (1948). Illustrated by Dorothea Braby.
10. The Noble and Joyous Book Entytled Le Morte Darthur, Ashendene Press (1913). Illustrated by Charles M. and Margaret Gere.
So many books, so little time.......... .
25johnaba
>24 dlphcoracl:
Just to note, there is a review of Frankenstein (Pennyroyal Press) and The Play of Pericles (Barbarian) up on the B&V site.
https://booksandvines.com/2015/12/08/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley-pennyroyal-pre...
https://booksandvines.com/2014/09/12/the-play-of-pericles-prince-of-tyre-by-will...
I would love to see a review of the Golden Cockerel Paradise Lost. That book is on my long-term wish list and it's one of the most difficult books to find for sale.
Just to note, there is a review of Frankenstein (Pennyroyal Press) and The Play of Pericles (Barbarian) up on the B&V site.
https://booksandvines.com/2015/12/08/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley-pennyroyal-pre...
https://booksandvines.com/2014/09/12/the-play-of-pericles-prince-of-tyre-by-will...
I would love to see a review of the Golden Cockerel Paradise Lost. That book is on my long-term wish list and it's one of the most difficult books to find for sale.
26dlphcoracl
>25 johnaba:
Clearly, Chris Adamson beat me to the punch with The Pennyroyal Frankenstein and the Barbarian Press 'The Play of Pericles' :-). They both certainly belong on any list of Great Illustrated Books in the modern private press era.
The GCP 'Paradise Lost' is simply fabulous but it is quite rare on the secondary market and even more difficult to find in collectible (NF or fine) condition. The fortunate collectors who own this one (myself included) do not part with it readily and The Grim Reaper, i.e., the death of an avid book collector, is usually the source of any copy that hits the market.
Clearly, Chris Adamson beat me to the punch with The Pennyroyal Frankenstein and the Barbarian Press 'The Play of Pericles' :-). They both certainly belong on any list of Great Illustrated Books in the modern private press era.
The GCP 'Paradise Lost' is simply fabulous but it is quite rare on the secondary market and even more difficult to find in collectible (NF or fine) condition. The fortunate collectors who own this one (myself included) do not part with it readily and The Grim Reaper, i.e., the death of an avid book collector, is usually the source of any copy that hits the market.
27jveezer
I have one book from the Melville Press: Cetus, The Whale. While I don't normally go in for private press books that are not something I can read, and of a genre I commonly read, this book of portraits of Moby Dick portraits is a wonderful companion to my editions of Melville's works. I would definitely recommend this press.
For those interested, there is a short review on my blog at:
http://www.thewholebookexperience.com/2012/02/21/cetus-the-whale-published-by-th...
For those interested, there is a short review on my blog at:
http://www.thewholebookexperience.com/2012/02/21/cetus-the-whale-published-by-th...
28dlphcoracl
>27 jveezer:
That is precisely what I wa referring to when I noted that Catherine Kanner and her Melville Press "demonstrate highly innovative book design". Her brief work operating her own private press is very reminiscent of the much longer-lived Janus Press and the cutting edge book design of its proprietor Claire Van Vliet.
That is precisely what I wa referring to when I noted that Catherine Kanner and her Melville Press "demonstrate highly innovative book design". Her brief work operating her own private press is very reminiscent of the much longer-lived Janus Press and the cutting edge book design of its proprietor Claire Van Vliet.
29gmacaree
>28 dlphcoracl: I would like to get Cetus, being a proud Melville afficionado. There are lots of copies on the secondary market, but the time has never been quite right.
For some reason I had never looked into the Melville Press's other options. The Thomas prose-poem Chris reviewed at B&V looks really interesting. A shame their website is down ...
For some reason I had never looked into the Melville Press's other options. The Thomas prose-poem Chris reviewed at B&V looks really interesting. A shame their website is down ...
30dlphcoracl
>29 gmacaree:
I have always passed on Cetus: The Whale precisely because it is solely an artist's book - something to look at but not a great read in any sense of the word. Incidentally, this describes about 90% of what you would have seen at this year's Codex Book Fair in California. The vast majority of the books were:
1. Extraordinarily creative and innovative but not readable in any traditional sense of the word. In brief, excellent examples of The Arts of the Book but decidedly NOT examples of The READABLE Arts of the Book.
2. Über expensive beyond all reason.
Meanwhile, the Melville Press edition of Dylan Thomas poetry is as rare as a T-Rex molar.
I have always passed on Cetus: The Whale precisely because it is solely an artist's book - something to look at but not a great read in any sense of the word. Incidentally, this describes about 90% of what you would have seen at this year's Codex Book Fair in California. The vast majority of the books were:
1. Extraordinarily creative and innovative but not readable in any traditional sense of the word. In brief, excellent examples of The Arts of the Book but decidedly NOT examples of The READABLE Arts of the Book.
2. Über expensive beyond all reason.
Meanwhile, the Melville Press edition of Dylan Thomas poetry is as rare as a T-Rex molar.
31ultrarightist
>30 dlphcoracl: I fully concur with your assessment of this year's Codex. There was a beautifully printed and illustrated edition of HP Lovecraft (I cannot remember the title or the name of the press), but it was $5,000! I wonder if they will ever be able to sell the complete print run.
32dlphcoracl
>31 ultrarightist:
I could not help but wonder who the Codex Book Fair was being held for and whether they have lost touch with one of their most important functions, namely, presenting and highlighting beautiful private press books that will entice avid collectors to actually purchase them!! I had the distinct feeling that it was intended for other private presses with a focus and interest in designing and printing highly esoteric artist's books, not collectors. Frankly, a wasted opportunity imho.
That said, aside from The Foolscap Press 'Mandeville', which was clearly the highlight of the Codex, one other book was of sufficient interest for me to purchase:
https://www.nomadletterpress.com/coastline
It is the 2nd publication from the new Nomad Letterpress founded by Pat Randle, the son of John and Rose Randle from the Whittington Press. Clearly, he has learned his private press lessons well because this is a gorgeous book.
I could not help but wonder who the Codex Book Fair was being held for and whether they have lost touch with one of their most important functions, namely, presenting and highlighting beautiful private press books that will entice avid collectors to actually purchase them!! I had the distinct feeling that it was intended for other private presses with a focus and interest in designing and printing highly esoteric artist's books, not collectors. Frankly, a wasted opportunity imho.
That said, aside from The Foolscap Press 'Mandeville', which was clearly the highlight of the Codex, one other book was of sufficient interest for me to purchase:
https://www.nomadletterpress.com/coastline
It is the 2nd publication from the new Nomad Letterpress founded by Pat Randle, the son of John and Rose Randle from the Whittington Press. Clearly, he has learned his private press lessons well because this is a gorgeous book.
33dlphcoracl
>31 ultrarightist:
The name of the press with the illustrated edition of HP Lovecraft is: Wishful Thinking Letterpress.
The name of the press with the illustrated edition of HP Lovecraft is: Wishful Thinking Letterpress.
34gmacaree
>32 dlphcoracl: Hah! I ordered Coastline a couple of weeks ago but was was waiting for it to arrive to share my thoughts with the forum. Am also very interested in their Les Oiseaux.
35dlphcoracl
>34 gmacaree:
Great minds think alike!
Seriously, this book was a no-brainer for me because I did the drive going in the opposite direction (from San Francisco up toward Seattle) along U.S. Route 101 (better known as "The One Oh One") in my mid-twenties. It was my first exposure to California and the West Coast and the drive was magical. It remains one of the most scenic drives in the States to this day. The varied illustrations in 'Coastline' capture the essence of this iconic drive beautifully.
FWIW, I have not received my copy either.
Great minds think alike!
Seriously, this book was a no-brainer for me because I did the drive going in the opposite direction (from San Francisco up toward Seattle) along U.S. Route 101 (better known as "The One Oh One") in my mid-twenties. It was my first exposure to California and the West Coast and the drive was magical. It remains one of the most scenic drives in the States to this day. The varied illustrations in 'Coastline' capture the essence of this iconic drive beautifully.
FWIW, I have not received my copy either.
36opto4
>32 dlphcoracl:
>34 gmacaree:
I've had my eye on Coastline for a couple weeks now. I somehow missed it at Codex, so I didn't get to see it in person. You both have convinced me. I ordered my copy today.
>31 ultrarightist:
The name of the press with the forthcoming $5k fine press edition of Lovecraft is Uncanny Valley Press. To make things confusing, I think there may be more than one publisher with this name.
>34 gmacaree:
I've had my eye on Coastline for a couple weeks now. I somehow missed it at Codex, so I didn't get to see it in person. You both have convinced me. I ordered my copy today.
>31 ultrarightist:
The name of the press with the forthcoming $5k fine press edition of Lovecraft is Uncanny Valley Press. To make things confusing, I think there may be more than one publisher with this name.
38ultrarightist
>32 dlphcoracl: I agree with your comments, and concur that the Foolscap Press Mandeville was the highlight of the show. I wonder what the notable absences of the Arion Press and Barbarian Press betoken?
39dlphcoracl
>38 ultrarightist:
Frankly, I believe the absence of the Arion Press and the Barbarian Press was appropriate and it doesn't portend anything. The exhibitors at the Codex Book Fair have an entirely different focus and agenda from what the Arion Press and Barbarian Press are publishing and from their intended audiences. The Codex has become an artist's book fair intended for other private presses with similar leanings.
Frankly, I believe the absence of the Arion Press and the Barbarian Press was appropriate and it doesn't portend anything. The exhibitors at the Codex Book Fair have an entirely different focus and agenda from what the Arion Press and Barbarian Press are publishing and from their intended audiences. The Codex has become an artist's book fair intended for other private presses with similar leanings.
40ultrarightist
>39 dlphcoracl: Private presses trading with other private presses? Whom do they expect to buy their books at such high prices? Private press proprietors are not wealthy (except perhaps for Koch?). Some bohemian suckers with more money than brains? The Bay Area techies are too busy playing video games and virtual socializing and could not care less. It does make me wonder.
41dlphcoracl
>40 ultrarightist:
I did not personally attend this year's Codex but that is the impression I received from several people who did - the 2019 Codex was a collection of very esoteric private presses that were focused on expanding and pushing the limits of innovative book design with little concern for their potential audience. With a few rare exceptions the vast majority of books exhibited were not readable in the traditional sense of the word and the topics were of even less interest. Frankly, the Codex has become irrelevant for me and I have no plans to attend one in the future. The books exhibited this year were not aligned with my collecting interests.
I did not personally attend this year's Codex but that is the impression I received from several people who did - the 2019 Codex was a collection of very esoteric private presses that were focused on expanding and pushing the limits of innovative book design with little concern for their potential audience. With a few rare exceptions the vast majority of books exhibited were not readable in the traditional sense of the word and the topics were of even less interest. Frankly, the Codex has become irrelevant for me and I have no plans to attend one in the future. The books exhibited this year were not aligned with my collecting interests.
42kdweber
>41 dlphcoracl: I like attending Codex for the very reason you don't. For the most part I get to see and touch very esoteric and expensive books that I will never buy. Sort of like a please touch museum for book fans. On the other hand, I did make purchases from the Foolscap and Salvage Presses.
43dlphcoracl
>42 kdweber:
With regard to our collecting tastes we are on the same wavelength. I reserved a copy of The Foolscap Press 'The Travels of Sir John Mandeville' nearly two years ago and I recently bought Jamie Murphy's latest and final book for 2019, 'Darklight' by John Fitzgerald which is now OOP. I also added an older Salvage Press publication 'After Easter' by Gerard Smyth, a collection of poems marking the centennial year of the 1916 Easter Rising rebellion in Ireland. Toss in 'Coastline', the beautifully illustrated travelogue of a drive down U.S. Route 101 in California by Pat Randle's new private press the Nomad Letterpress and I probably have everything I would have wanted from Codex.
With regard to our collecting tastes we are on the same wavelength. I reserved a copy of The Foolscap Press 'The Travels of Sir John Mandeville' nearly two years ago and I recently bought Jamie Murphy's latest and final book for 2019, 'Darklight' by John Fitzgerald which is now OOP. I also added an older Salvage Press publication 'After Easter' by Gerard Smyth, a collection of poems marking the centennial year of the 1916 Easter Rising rebellion in Ireland. Toss in 'Coastline', the beautifully illustrated travelogue of a drive down U.S. Route 101 in California by Pat Randle's new private press the Nomad Letterpress and I probably have everything I would have wanted from Codex.
44kdweber
>43 dlphcoracl: Which edition of Darklight did you purchase? I almost bought this book but in the end opted for Winter. I'm very tempted by Coastline.
45ultrarightist
I would also add the Deep Wood Press and its forthcoming edition of the Wind in the Willows to the highlights of this year's Codex.
46kdweber
>45 ultrarightist: Did the Deep Wood Press evolve from the Chester River Press?
47dlphcoracl
>44 kdweber:
I purchased the standard edition of Darklight. However, I purchased the deluxe edition of Town with the superb binding and clamshell box made by Craig Jensen at Booklab II in Texas.
I purchased the standard edition of Darklight. However, I purchased the deluxe edition of Town with the superb binding and clamshell box made by Craig Jensen at Booklab II in Texas.
48ultrarightist
>46 kdweber: Yes, or at least the same proprietor.
49CKanner
>1 dlphcoracl: This review has meant a great deal to me over the years. Thank you dlchoracl. The Melville Press experienced a profound loss in January 2025 with The Palisades Fire. Much of the inventory of the Press was lost as the studio and office of the Press were consumed in the flames. The Melville Press persists! Although CETUS, The Whale is all but sold out, I do have remaining editions of Prayers Written at Vailima available. And, in 2025, two new editions were added to the inventory. I invite you to visit www.themelvillepress for more.
The Fine Press community has been wonderfully supportive. And I look forward to producing more small treats in future.
Catherine Kanner
Publisher, The Melville Press
The Fine Press community has been wonderfully supportive. And I look forward to producing more small treats in future.
Catherine Kanner
Publisher, The Melville Press
50wcarter
>49 CKanner:
It is a pity that you do not list prices on your website.
I have a policy to never inquire about prices because it indicates to me that the product is overpriced and an inquiry puts a mild obligation on the enquirer to buy.
It is a pity that you do not list prices on your website.
I have a policy to never inquire about prices because it indicates to me that the product is overpriced and an inquiry puts a mild obligation on the enquirer to buy.
51DMulvee
>50 wcarter: I agree with your sentiment, but I can see prices on the website:
https://www.themelvillepress.com/
https://www.themelvillepress.com/
52wcarter
>51 DMulvee:
For all books except Cetus.
For all books except Cetus.
53Pendrainllwyn
>50 wcarter: The Melville Press website doesn't list a price for CETUS The Whale, but it does list prices for their other four books.
You beat me to it!
The books look very nice, the Dylan Thomas book in particular.
You beat me to it!
The books look very nice, the Dylan Thomas book in particular.
54CKanner
Thank you. The reason CETUS is not listed with a price is due to the fact that we have extremely limited inventory for this edition. A recent copy sold for over $1,000.00. All other editions are listed with prices. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about The Melville Press to contact me - In the Direction of the Beginning, Prayers Written at Vailima, Emily Dickinson Poems of Travel and When I was a Lad/Tunnel book are all available - along with small limited editions of individual prints.
With appreciation, Catherine Kanner, Publisher
The Melville Press
ckanner@themelvillepress.com
With appreciation, Catherine Kanner, Publisher
The Melville Press
ckanner@themelvillepress.com
