You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover; A Brief Survey of Materials
Seal Beach, California: Mel Kavin/Kater-Crafts Bookbinders, 1994. Limited Edition. Hardcover. One of 500 copies, miniature book, 167 pp., signed by the eight contributers. Fine. Item #21120838
A stunning book which can indeed be judged by its cover...bound in full black leather, red and blue leather abstract designs cut in on both boards, the front additionally with a small gilt circle, both boards and the spine glittering with iridescent green and blue dots, the gilt top-edge with debossed green and purple dots...a magical book, and so far we've just looked at the exterior...
Upon opening the book, one discovers the bright blue marbled endpapers by Einen Miura, and inside will be found seven wood engravings by John DePol, each section with a "chapter headpiece" of a gilt abstract design.
The contributors to this book include some of the most talented: authored by Bernard C. Middleton, a skilled restorer of bindings as well as a prolific writer on the techniques of the craft; Ward Ritche (who designed the text), John DePol (contributor of the seven wood engravings), David Pankow (the editor), Henry Morris (the printer), Mel Kavin (who wrote the Foreword), the blue marbled endpapers by Einen Miura and the binding design by Tini Miura (note that all eight of these signed the book at the final blanks). Although not signed by him, Pat Reagh set the type.
A feast for both the eye and mind.
___DESCRIPTION: Bound in leathers and decorated as set forth above, blue marbled endpapers, double-spread title page with gilt decorations and rules; miniature (2 7/8" by 2 3/8"), pagination: [1-7], 8-161, [1, blank] [1, colophon], [2, blanks], [2, signature pages]. Enclosed in a clamshell case covered in black silk on the sides, black leather spine with an abstract red spine label with silver lettering, the inner tray lined with grey handmade paper, this no. 58 of 500 copies.
___CONDITION: Volume fine, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; clean and as new. The clamshell case also fine, clean and without wear.
___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.
___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.
Price: $450.00