Products
To a Coy Koi
Dallas, TX: Aredian Press, 2022. Approximately 2 1/2 x 2 1/2". LIMITED EDITION of 7 copies, this being #5. Design binding by Patrice Miller of Aredian Press. The structure is a crossed portfolio with an illustrated three-dimensional central core, decorated matchbox sleeve enclosure provides the title, colophon, and limitation which is, signed and numbered by the publisher, hand-drawn and hand-colored illustrations, in fine condition. Beautifully structured and original miniature book.
The original sixteen line poem in iambic pentameter is a parody of Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress", and is a water gardener's lament. Patrice Miller's work has found its way to private and university collections, in the states and abroad. Human foibles, nature’s panoply, and artistic cleverness cannot help but inform future work. She continues to bind, and rebind, in Dallas, Texas.
Transformation
Lake City, CO: Ravenpress, 2001. Approximately 1 1/2 x 2 x 2". LIMITED EDITION of 26 copies, this being #17. Outer box is carved and painted horn with brass hinge and owl clasp from India, slight chip on outside bottom layer of box, otherwise in near fine condition; Orange paper over boards with exposed spine and laserprinted title, color copies from watercolor paintings, numbered and signed on the colophon by the publisher, in fine condition.
This is the third book in the miniature pillow book series. Adria Klinger's poem "Transformation" accompanies beautifully sensual watercolor paintings by Alicia Bailey, in a pairing of words and images that is both evocative and explicit. Alicia Bailey began publishing under the Ravenpress imprint in 1996. Ravenpress publications are held in private, public and special collections worldwide. Bailey thinks of the artists' book works she creates as interactive sculptures realized in the form of the book. She works in a wide variety of materials, including those not often associated with the book form, thus necessitating structural redesign and innovations.
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Santa Cruz, CA: Peter & Donna Thomas, 1982. 30 pp. Approximately 3 x 2 1/2". LIMITED EDITION of 200 copies, this being #14. Red paper over boards, title on label on cover, eight linoleum cut illustrations by Donna, illustrated red paper wrapper, in fine condition. (Bradbury, Peter & Donna Thomas, 44; P&D Thomas Bibliography A77)
Peter and Donna Thomas, well-known book artists, authors, and paper-makers, have been operating their private press since 1976. A beautiful and artistic book, this story was first published in 1823 anonymously and later was credited to the author in 1837. Perhaps one of the best-known poems ever written, it is responsible for the image and characteristics of Santa Claus that is still prevalent today. From the bibliography: "As a child I had a copy of the St. Onge edition of 'The Night Before Christmas,' illustrated by Tasha Tudor, and we wanted to make our own version. In our admiration, we copied St. Onge's type and called Doner, Donner."
Vincent in Arles: Four Letters to Theo
Velp, Netherlands: Catharijne Press, 2003. Approximately 1 7/8 x 2 1/2 ". 59 pp. DELUXE LIMITED EDITION of 20 copies (I - XX), this being #IV. Blue cloth slipcase containing a 5 euro coin showing van Gogh's portrait made up of the letters of his name; the coin was issued in 2003 by the Royal Dutch Mint in honor of the 150th birthday of Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890). Tan cloth over boards, blue endpapers, tipped in frontispiece and tipped in illustrations (color plates), printed in 6 point Swift font, in fine condition.
According to the publisher's introduction, "This miniature book is a tribute to the remarkable artist, reviled during his life, celebrated after his death." Even though Van Gogh wrote over 200 letters while staying in Arles, these 4 letters to his brother Theo give us some insight into his thought processes during this zenith of his career.
Water
New Britain, CT: REM Miniatures, 2003. 2 1/4 x 1 5/8". (vi), 4 pp, (1) page. LIMITED EDITION of 100 copies. Black buckram with hand-colored paper label on upper cover , cover label & frontispiece by Seth Massmann, hand coloring by Eloise & Robert Massmann. A fine copy in stiff gray paper publisher's sleeve.
From the proceedings of the Company of Amateur Brewers, 1932.
Wildflowers of the John Muir Trail
Santa Cruz, CA: Peter & Donna Thomas, 2002. (40) pp. Approximately 2 1/8 x 2 5/8". LIMITED EDITION of 150 copies, this being #60. Green painted handmade papers over boards, title and illustration label on sleeve cover, inside white paper made by Peter from cotton rag and Donna's hiking shirt, digital printing with reproduction of text handwritten by Donna, reproductions of thirty-nine watercolor paintings by Donna, numbered on the colophon, in fine condition. (P&D Thomas Bibliography A109)
Donna Thomas and Kate McLaughlin hiked the John Muir trail in 2002. They identified flowers and Donna printed them on the spot. This beautiful book was a Miniature Book Society Distinguished Award winner in 2003.
Yes, Virginia
Santa Cruz, CA: The Good Book Press, 1984. 20 pp. 2 3/8 x 3"; LIMITED EDITION of 125 copies, this being #12. Ivory paper boards with red- and purple-embellishments, letterpress, stamped title and decoration on front cover, woodcut illustrations by Donna Thomas, numbered on the colophon, in fine condition. (Bradbury, P&D Thomas 12; P&D Thomas Bibliography A28)
"Yes, Virginia" is about the famous letter sent to the editor of the New York Sun by a little girl of eight and his subsequent answer to the question of "Is there a Santa Claus". A lovely and inspiring story for the Christmas season. A beautiful example of their work with no other copies on the market at this time (1/23).
Zsolnay: Ceramics Factory, Pecs
Budapest, Hungary: Helikon Kiado, 1997. 175 pp. Approximately 2 x 3". Decorated porcelain cover over green velvet boards with gilt title on spine, yellow slipcase, all edges gilt, profuse colored photographs, slight crack to porcelain cover, otherwise all in near fine condition. Text is in English.
This cute little book contains the history of the state-owned Zsolnay factory with many examples of their eclectic collection of art nouveau, art deco, and stylized folk art.