1Oricom
Hi, coming out of my shell and posting rather then reading.
Is there a thread for Kickstarter projects?
Came across Moby Dick by Waterbell and thought there should be one if there isn't.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/waterbell/moby-dick-0
Tried to add images but I couldn't figure it out, I know I'm not the only one. I can't even figure out the hyperlink.
Anyone got a book by Waterbell? They seem new. Any other books on Kickstarter worth sharing?
Is there a thread for Kickstarter projects?
Came across Moby Dick by Waterbell and thought there should be one if there isn't.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/waterbell/moby-dick-0
Tried to add images but I couldn't figure it out, I know I'm not the only one. I can't even figure out the hyperlink.
Anyone got a book by Waterbell? They seem new. Any other books on Kickstarter worth sharing?
3wcarter
>1 Oricom:
Welcome to the forum!
There is no specific thread about Kickstarter books on LT, but it would be a great idea to start one (as you effectively have done). Many times members of this forum have brought Kickstarter projects to the attention of all, but a specific thread could be useful, as the better offerings are often hard to find amongst the dross that regularly appears on Kickstarter.
Thornwillow is a press that regularly launches on Kickstarter, but their quality has been a matter of discussion recently. See here.
If you want to know how to post pictures to a thread, it is all explained on the Folio Society wiki here.
Welcome to the forum!
There is no specific thread about Kickstarter books on LT, but it would be a great idea to start one (as you effectively have done). Many times members of this forum have brought Kickstarter projects to the attention of all, but a specific thread could be useful, as the better offerings are often hard to find amongst the dross that regularly appears on Kickstarter.
Thornwillow is a press that regularly launches on Kickstarter, but their quality has been a matter of discussion recently. See here.
If you want to know how to post pictures to a thread, it is all explained on the Folio Society wiki here.
4Glacierman
>1 Oricom: I am tempted. The illustrations are stunning. I have time.....
5Oricom
First time I saw a Thornwillow video I thought it was a joke before realizing it's just their style. Certainly has a fun
character.
character.
7Oricom
I got one.
Got some from Beehive books a while ago. Their Illuminated editions look good but they are so tall I'm not sure what I'm meant to do with them.
Got some from Beehive books a while ago. Their Illuminated editions look good but they are so tall I'm not sure what I'm meant to do with them.
8kdweber
>7 Oricom: I have three Beehive books and one on order but the books are not fine press and are a bit over priced.
9wcarter
Another Moby Dick has already been done on Kickstarter, primarily to demonstrate the skill of the artist. See here.
10MobyRichard
>9 wcarter:
Strange because I don't think the artist needs to demonstrate anything. I own a copy and while I still prefer the Rockwell Kent illustrations (nobody has ever illustrated me better 🐳), the Evan Dahm illustrations are wonderful.
Strange because I don't think the artist needs to demonstrate anything. I own a copy and while I still prefer the Rockwell Kent illustrations (nobody has ever illustrated me better 🐳), the Evan Dahm illustrations are wonderful.
11astropi
This is NOT letterpress. Therefore it's technically not "fine press". There have been a number of truly fine press Mobys that include
Arion Press (my personal favorite)
Lakeside Press (close second to AP)
Limited Editions Club (third place, but still amazing)
If you're just looking for a "nice" edition of Moby Dick, quite honestly go with the Easton Press edition. It used be dirt cheap (maybe it's gone up since then) and has all the illustrations in the LEC edition.
I think today, the only hope for a modestly priced truly fine (letterpress) edition of Moby Dick is from Thornwillow. If they were able to produce an exquisitely illustrated Moby for around $600, I would snatch it in a heartbeat...
Arion Press (my personal favorite)
Lakeside Press (close second to AP)
Limited Editions Club (third place, but still amazing)
If you're just looking for a "nice" edition of Moby Dick, quite honestly go with the Easton Press edition. It used be dirt cheap (maybe it's gone up since then) and has all the illustrations in the LEC edition.
I think today, the only hope for a modestly priced truly fine (letterpress) edition of Moby Dick is from Thornwillow. If they were able to produce an exquisitely illustrated Moby for around $600, I would snatch it in a heartbeat...
12Glacierman
>11 astropi: "This is NOT letterpress. Therefore it's technically not "fine press".
I would have to take issue with that statement. The term "fine printing/fine press" does not equate to letterpress, although a good many finely printed books have been and continue to be printed by that method.
A number of fine presses have issued books printed by other methods, be it ink jet, digital (laser), or other printing technology. It is not so much the printing method as it is the high quality of design, technique and materials that separated fine printing from lesser works. I will admit that letterpress printing seems to be the preferred printing method, but that should not deter one from acquiring other, equally finely printed books produced to high standards by other methods.
Regarding the Arion Press Moby Dick, it was reprinted by UC Press some years ago. They produced two versions: a Deluxe facsimile edition photographically reduced to 90% of the original Arion folio (thus 13.5" x 9") printed on Curtis Rag paper with blue ink for titling and initials, in slipcase and limited to 750 copies and the "trade" edition which was reduced to 6.75" x 10" (a 70% reduction), black ink through out. The latter I would consider a nice trade edition, as it is entirely too small to truly appreciate the design and the illustrations. To the former, however, I would extend the nomen "fine press book," as it more accurately reproduces the original using quality materials, etc. I know not all would agree with me on this, but there it is.
And the later paperback reprint of the above h/c trade edition isn't even in the running.
For the curious, the UC ltd edition currently goes for about $1000 and up (publ. at $225 in 1981), compared to the Arion Press original (publ. at $1000 in 1979) which is fetching $22,500 and up. I'd have to settle for one of the trade versions or go without. I think the latter is preferable.
I would have to take issue with that statement. The term "fine printing/fine press" does not equate to letterpress, although a good many finely printed books have been and continue to be printed by that method.
A number of fine presses have issued books printed by other methods, be it ink jet, digital (laser), or other printing technology. It is not so much the printing method as it is the high quality of design, technique and materials that separated fine printing from lesser works. I will admit that letterpress printing seems to be the preferred printing method, but that should not deter one from acquiring other, equally finely printed books produced to high standards by other methods.
Regarding the Arion Press Moby Dick, it was reprinted by UC Press some years ago. They produced two versions: a Deluxe facsimile edition photographically reduced to 90% of the original Arion folio (thus 13.5" x 9") printed on Curtis Rag paper with blue ink for titling and initials, in slipcase and limited to 750 copies and the "trade" edition which was reduced to 6.75" x 10" (a 70% reduction), black ink through out. The latter I would consider a nice trade edition, as it is entirely too small to truly appreciate the design and the illustrations. To the former, however, I would extend the nomen "fine press book," as it more accurately reproduces the original using quality materials, etc. I know not all would agree with me on this, but there it is.
And the later paperback reprint of the above h/c trade edition isn't even in the running.
For the curious, the UC ltd edition currently goes for about $1000 and up (publ. at $225 in 1981), compared to the Arion Press original (publ. at $1000 in 1979) which is fetching $22,500 and up. I'd have to settle for one of the trade versions or go without. I think the latter is preferable.
13astropi
12: Disagree.
A number of fine presses have issued books printed by other methods, be it ink jet, digital (laser), or other printing technology.
Those are not "fine books". They may be "small press" books, or "private press" books, but that does not make it "fine press". Here's a nice video:
Van Robinson: A Century of Fine Press Books
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw3n0Erta6Y
If you watch the video, in the beginning he spells it out: fine press books are made by hand, in the same way that Gutenberg did - letterpress. I'm not saying you should not purchase books produced other ways, I certainly do, but the truth is that "fine press" means letterpress regardless of how other people misinterpret the original definition.
By the way, the standard University of California reprint of Moby Dick can be purchased directly for $64.95
https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520045484/moby-dick-or-the-whale
A number of fine presses have issued books printed by other methods, be it ink jet, digital (laser), or other printing technology.
Those are not "fine books". They may be "small press" books, or "private press" books, but that does not make it "fine press". Here's a nice video:
Van Robinson: A Century of Fine Press Books
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw3n0Erta6Y
If you watch the video, in the beginning he spells it out: fine press books are made by hand, in the same way that Gutenberg did - letterpress. I'm not saying you should not purchase books produced other ways, I certainly do, but the truth is that "fine press" means letterpress regardless of how other people misinterpret the original definition.
By the way, the standard University of California reprint of Moby Dick can be purchased directly for $64.95
https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520045484/moby-dick-or-the-whale
14wcarter
>13 astropi: >12 Glacierman:
Take your choice from the definitions below
WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION - Fine press printing and publishing comprises historical and contemporary printers and publishers publishing books and other printed matter of exceptional intrinsic quality and artistic taste, including both commercial and private presses. Their dedication to fine printing distinguishes them from other small presses. Fine press publications are often published in limited editions, that are swiftly bought up by book collectors and libraries.
ABE BOOKS DEFINITION - Fine presses, private presses and small presses vary from traditional publishing houses because of their size, scope and intention. Books produced by these publishers are often adored by collectors who desire books that are not run-of-the-mill.
BOOKS TELL YOU WHY DEFINITION - Fine press books are generally made in very small numbers, using high quality materials. Paper is often handmade, and the bindings are done by hand as well. Fine press books showcase not only illustrations, but also ornate fonts and other decorative touches. Different techniques such as painting or woodblocks may be used to create the illustrations. Books are printed using the letterpress technique. This method was introduced by Gutenberg, who first used it to print the now-famous Gutenberg Bible. The printer places movable type into a bed and locks it. Then ink is rolled over the type, and the page is either rolled or pressed against the inked surface. The raised letters leave imprints on the page.
NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL LIBRARY DEFINITION - Fine printing has encompassed the handpress revivalists of the late 19th century Arts and Crafts movement, who were inspired by Mediaeval and Renaissance aesthetics, progressive printers and typographers of the twentieth century and beyond, as well as contemporary creators of artists’ books.
FINE PRESS FORUM WIKI DEFINITION - A book can be described as fine or otherwise by different evaluators depending on a combination of the book’s binding (eg. leather), paper quality (eg. handmade), printing (eg. letterpress), illustrations (eg. engravings), limitation (the number printed) or overall presentation.
Take your choice from the definitions below
WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION - Fine press printing and publishing comprises historical and contemporary printers and publishers publishing books and other printed matter of exceptional intrinsic quality and artistic taste, including both commercial and private presses. Their dedication to fine printing distinguishes them from other small presses. Fine press publications are often published in limited editions, that are swiftly bought up by book collectors and libraries.
ABE BOOKS DEFINITION - Fine presses, private presses and small presses vary from traditional publishing houses because of their size, scope and intention. Books produced by these publishers are often adored by collectors who desire books that are not run-of-the-mill.
BOOKS TELL YOU WHY DEFINITION - Fine press books are generally made in very small numbers, using high quality materials. Paper is often handmade, and the bindings are done by hand as well. Fine press books showcase not only illustrations, but also ornate fonts and other decorative touches. Different techniques such as painting or woodblocks may be used to create the illustrations. Books are printed using the letterpress technique. This method was introduced by Gutenberg, who first used it to print the now-famous Gutenberg Bible. The printer places movable type into a bed and locks it. Then ink is rolled over the type, and the page is either rolled or pressed against the inked surface. The raised letters leave imprints on the page.
NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL LIBRARY DEFINITION - Fine printing has encompassed the handpress revivalists of the late 19th century Arts and Crafts movement, who were inspired by Mediaeval and Renaissance aesthetics, progressive printers and typographers of the twentieth century and beyond, as well as contemporary creators of artists’ books.
FINE PRESS FORUM WIKI DEFINITION - A book can be described as fine or otherwise by different evaluators depending on a combination of the book’s binding (eg. leather), paper quality (eg. handmade), printing (eg. letterpress), illustrations (eg. engravings), limitation (the number printed) or overall presentation.
15jroger1
>14 wcarter:
Thanks for the research. The Fine Press Forum Wiki’s definition makes the most sense. “Fine Press,” like “beauty,” is in the eye of the beholder. Letterpress was at one time far superior to other methods of printing, but the difference is much smaller now, and other qualities can be equally important.
It might be sacrilege in some circles, but I rarely buy LECs for my Library, because the bindings haven’t held up well and they no longer look good on the shelf. They were Fine Press in their day but not by my 2020 standards.
Thanks for the research. The Fine Press Forum Wiki’s definition makes the most sense. “Fine Press,” like “beauty,” is in the eye of the beholder. Letterpress was at one time far superior to other methods of printing, but the difference is much smaller now, and other qualities can be equally important.
It might be sacrilege in some circles, but I rarely buy LECs for my Library, because the bindings haven’t held up well and they no longer look good on the shelf. They were Fine Press in their day but not by my 2020 standards.
16Glacierman
Nice discussion!
>15 jroger1: I would agree as the Forum definition uses the term exempli gratia (e. g.; 'for example') rather than id est (i. e.; 'that is') thereby not excluding production methods other than letter press. Now, to be certain, I prefer letter press, but will not exclude other methods if exceptionally executed.
>15 jroger1: I would agree as the Forum definition uses the term exempli gratia (e. g.; 'for example') rather than id est (i. e.; 'that is') thereby not excluding production methods other than letter press. Now, to be certain, I prefer letter press, but will not exclude other methods if exceptionally executed.
17astropi
15: sorry, have to strongly disagree.
Letterpress was at one time far superior to other methods of printing, but the difference is much smaller now
It is most certainly still far superior in my opinion. It's also just more pleasing to the eye, and simply because of the way it must be implemented, the paper, the ink, everything has to be of the highest quality. The difference between a "normal" book and letterpress is like the difference between night and day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv69kB_e9KY
Letterpress was at one time far superior to other methods of printing, but the difference is much smaller now
It is most certainly still far superior in my opinion. It's also just more pleasing to the eye, and simply because of the way it must be implemented, the paper, the ink, everything has to be of the highest quality. The difference between a "normal" book and letterpress is like the difference between night and day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv69kB_e9KY
18dlphcoracl
>15 jroger1:
With regard to letterpress printing vs. other methods..........
It depends.
Not all letterpress printing is superlative and it varies greatly from one private press to another. Surprisingly, it varies considerably within some private presses from one edition to another, most notably in my experience with the Thornwillow Press editions. In the Thornwillow books I have purchased the letterpress printing is excellent in Shakespeare's Sonnets, Dante's Inferno and Sherlock Holmes but a bit less so with the Waste Land, Pride and Prejudice and Beauty is the Beginning of Terror. None of the Thornwillow books printing in Newburgh, New York are comparable to the superb letterpress printing found in the earlier books when they were primarily European-based, using the exceptional hand-made papers from the Czech Republic and Moravia (Cardinal Mill, Bohemia Paper: Birkenhof, and Velké Losiny).
Your observation that "the difference between letterpress and other methods of printing is much smaller now" is a function of your LEC books. The vast majority of the George Macy-era books demonstrate mediocre printing and they are NOT good examples of fine letterpress printing. There are exceptions, however, notably the book published by Bruce Rogers and Giovanni (Hans) Mardersteig at the Officina Bodoni or the Stamperia Valdonega. However, for the most part your obsservation is correct - the letterpress printing in George Macy LEC books is barely distinguishable from non-letterpress methods. This is hardly surprising considering that the "limited" editions of the George Macy LEC books were editions of between 1500 to 2000 copies compared to the much smaller limitations of between 100 to 200 copies from today's finest private presses.
That said, truly fine letterpress printing from private presses such as the Salvage Press, the Barbarian Press, the Foolscap Press, the Whittington Press, etc., is vastly superior. There really IS a difference.
With regard to letterpress printing vs. other methods..........
It depends.
Not all letterpress printing is superlative and it varies greatly from one private press to another. Surprisingly, it varies considerably within some private presses from one edition to another, most notably in my experience with the Thornwillow Press editions. In the Thornwillow books I have purchased the letterpress printing is excellent in Shakespeare's Sonnets, Dante's Inferno and Sherlock Holmes but a bit less so with the Waste Land, Pride and Prejudice and Beauty is the Beginning of Terror. None of the Thornwillow books printing in Newburgh, New York are comparable to the superb letterpress printing found in the earlier books when they were primarily European-based, using the exceptional hand-made papers from the Czech Republic and Moravia (Cardinal Mill, Bohemia Paper: Birkenhof, and Velké Losiny).
Your observation that "the difference between letterpress and other methods of printing is much smaller now" is a function of your LEC books. The vast majority of the George Macy-era books demonstrate mediocre printing and they are NOT good examples of fine letterpress printing. There are exceptions, however, notably the book published by Bruce Rogers and Giovanni (Hans) Mardersteig at the Officina Bodoni or the Stamperia Valdonega. However, for the most part your obsservation is correct - the letterpress printing in George Macy LEC books is barely distinguishable from non-letterpress methods. This is hardly surprising considering that the "limited" editions of the George Macy LEC books were editions of between 1500 to 2000 copies compared to the much smaller limitations of between 100 to 200 copies from today's finest private presses.
That said, truly fine letterpress printing from private presses such as the Salvage Press, the Barbarian Press, the Foolscap Press, the Whittington Press, etc., is vastly superior. There really IS a difference.
19Shadekeep
Black Letter Press is kickstarting a new edition of Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. They are offering both a facsimile edition and a new English translation. Very much looking forward to this one.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackletterpress/hypnerotomachia-poliphili
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackletterpress/hypnerotomachia-poliphili
20antinous_in_london
>19 Shadekeep: Hopefully all purchasers will survive the 2.5 years until the due date of December 2024 for the facsimile hardcover. I wonder if it is an error as the other editions seem to all be December 2023
21Shadekeep
>20 antinous_in_london: Pretty sure it's a typo, as I've backed for the facsimile+translated hardcover pair that is delivered in 2023. I don't think they'd wait another year to send just the facsimile on its own to folks who ordered just that. ^_^
Thanks for the heads-up, I've communicated the typo to the campaign organiser.
Thanks for the heads-up, I've communicated the typo to the campaign organiser.
22LBShoreBook
>12 Glacierman: Being a M-D fanatic, I own the deluxe UC edition, trade UC edition and the Arion Press Melville poems that uses the same paper from the M-D edition with a frontispiece by Moser. I agree with you the deluxe UC edition is far superior to the trade edition and worth the premium. Based on the materials in my Melville poems I would say the premium for the Arion M-D over the deluxe UC is also very certainly worth it (my holy grail acquisition goal). Where I differ from your assessment is that the trade edition is not even worth owning. I am a fan of Barry Moser's art and the trade edition is quite manageable in terms of size and readability. I would certainly own it as my only copy of the AP family tree.
23antinous_in_london
>21 Shadekeep: Yes - i’d assumed that if any edition was going to be year later it would be the €900 edition. For an edition of only 40, €900 almost seems reasonable when compared to around the same price for a Folio Society limited edition with a limitation of 750-1000 !
24Shadekeep
>23 antinous_in_london: It is a tempting and lovely edition. Has an almost Foolscap feel to it.
25MobyRichard
Interesting....I don't see it in the kickstarter description but does anyone know if the English Translation Volume will maintain the layout and typography of the original? I ask b/c I guess the facsimile will be a separate volume.
26Shadekeep
>25 MobyRichard: I would hope so, since they emphasise in the campaign description how the layout of the text is integral to the original. The facsimile is a distinct volume.
27Shadekeep
>25 MobyRichard: I asked this of the publisher:
Does the text in the translated version try to the mirror the layout of the original? I know it's impossible to make an exact match, but will it replicate it as much as possible?
Here's what I got back:
yes! it will, of course as you mention an exact match is almost impossible but we will try our best to follow the original!
Does the text in the translated version try to the mirror the layout of the original? I know it's impossible to make an exact match, but will it replicate it as much as possible?
Here's what I got back:
yes! it will, of course as you mention an exact match is almost impossible but we will try our best to follow the original!
28kermaier
>19 Shadekeep:
Very interesting! I wish there was more info on the printing techniques (letterpress?) and papers they plan to use…
Very interesting! I wish there was more info on the printing techniques (letterpress?) and papers they plan to use…
29Stephan68
>19 Shadekeep:
Thanks for posting. I am tempted to pledge the hardcover edition. However it seems they have reduced the size of the original. The Kickstarter page states that the books will be 215 x 140 mm while the homepage of the Metropolitan Museum gives 295 x 220 mm for their copy.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/365313
Thanks for posting. I am tempted to pledge the hardcover edition. However it seems they have reduced the size of the original. The Kickstarter page states that the books will be 215 x 140 mm while the homepage of the Metropolitan Museum gives 295 x 220 mm for their copy.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/365313
30Shadekeep
>28 kermaier: Good questions, I've sent them along to the publisher. My suspicion is that it is not letterpress, as most (maybe all) of my BLP collection isn't.
>29 Stephan68: Yes, it's not a pure facsimile in that regard. The size of the book is in line with their standard size for larger volumes. It's the same size as their previously kickstarted titles, Dreams of Witches and De Magia.
>29 Stephan68: Yes, it's not a pure facsimile in that regard. The size of the book is in line with their standard size for larger volumes. It's the same size as their previously kickstarted titles, Dreams of Witches and De Magia.
31Shadekeep
Here's the response on the letterpress-vs-offset and paper questions from Alice at BLP:
We print our books at Grafiche Veneziane Offset. They will look fantastic! :)
The Books will be printed on Italian Fedrigoni Arena rough ivory paper. We chose this paper because it is Acid Free, chlorine free, FSC certificated, heavy metal free (ce 94/62) and age-resistant (ISO 9706). We are using fedrigoni papers since a long time and have made great experience with it through the past years. Its colour, rough surface and haptics make it perfect for our books. Please read more on the Fedrigoni website: https://paper.fedrigoni.com/serie/arena-rough/
We print our books at Grafiche Veneziane Offset. They will look fantastic! :)
The Books will be printed on Italian Fedrigoni Arena rough ivory paper. We chose this paper because it is Acid Free, chlorine free, FSC certificated, heavy metal free (ce 94/62) and age-resistant (ISO 9706). We are using fedrigoni papers since a long time and have made great experience with it through the past years. Its colour, rough surface and haptics make it perfect for our books. Please read more on the Fedrigoni website: https://paper.fedrigoni.com/serie/arena-rough/
32ultrarightist
>31 Shadekeep: As far as I can tell, the paper for all 3 states is the same. The difference is the covers, and perhaps the endpapers.
33Shadekeep
>32 ultrarightist: That seems correct, yes. The Artisan Edition is hand-bound, in addition, and slipcased.
34astropi
The book is €80 - if you think you can print a letterpress book for that amount you live in a beautiful world :)
Seriously, if this was letterpress, it would be closer to €800. Regardless, I think this is going to be a lovely edition of a truly unique book.
Seriously, if this was letterpress, it would be closer to €800. Regardless, I think this is going to be a lovely edition of a truly unique book.
35antinous_in_london
>34 astropi: The Artisan version is €900 not €80, which may have prompted the query. Even given the hand-binding & the different cover, there is a large gulf between €80 & €900 when the internal printing/paper specs seem to be the same.
36Shadekeep
>35 antinous_in_london: It's also a numbered limitation, for those whom that matters to. But I too would have liked to see either letterpress or a paper upgrade with the Artisan edition. Given the complexity of the layouts, the paper would have been more feasible at the price.
I also agree with astropi that this promises to be a superb book all the same. I've been wanting a new edition of this title for quite a while.
I also agree with astropi that this promises to be a superb book all the same. I've been wanting a new edition of this title for quite a while.
37MobyRichard
>35 antinous_in_london:
For 40 copies, I'd say 820 Euros is about right. For so small a limitation/commission, it's no surprise that it would be about the same price as it would be if you commissioned your own custom leather binding, probably a little less.
For 40 copies, I'd say 820 Euros is about right. For so small a limitation/commission, it's no surprise that it would be about the same price as it would be if you commissioned your own custom leather binding, probably a little less.
38antinous_in_london
>37 MobyRichard: As i mentioned above (re comparison to Folio Society with Limited Editions of 1000 copies), i don’t think the pricing is crazy given the low limitation, but at the same time, as Shadekeep says - it would have been nice to have something else for the additional €820 other than a different binding (and a copy of the paperbacks).
39GardenOfForkingPaths
>19 Shadekeep: Thanks very much for posting this!
Would you say the Black Letter Press hardcover books you own are comparable in quality with Folio Society standard editions?
Would you say the Black Letter Press hardcover books you own are comparable in quality with Folio Society standard editions?
40Shadekeep
>39 GardenOfForkingPaths: My pleasure!
I would say yes, at least to my admittedly dilettante level discernment in the area. The bindings are solid, the covers are well made, and the printing is crisp. The paper has in past varied noticeably from title to title, with some that are very stiff and others that are soft and satiny. For their recent series of books the papers have been nice and bright, with a good tactile quality. A hardcore Foliophile might draw some distinctions I missed, but I am perfectly happy shelving them together.
I would say yes, at least to my admittedly dilettante level discernment in the area. The bindings are solid, the covers are well made, and the printing is crisp. The paper has in past varied noticeably from title to title, with some that are very stiff and others that are soft and satiny. For their recent series of books the papers have been nice and bright, with a good tactile quality. A hardcore Foliophile might draw some distinctions I missed, but I am perfectly happy shelving them together.
41GardenOfForkingPaths
>40 Shadekeep: Much obliged!
42kermaier
>35 antinous_in_london:
Correct: €80 for a letterpress book of that complexity would be literally incredible. But the €900 state could’ve been a very different beast.
Correct: €80 for a letterpress book of that complexity would be literally incredible. But the €900 state could’ve been a very different beast.
43ultrarightist
>42 kermaier: Agreed. If not letterpress, at least a paper upgrade for the €900 state.
44claudio76
>42 kermaier: note that it's 2 volumes (I mean technically 450eu per book hehe)
45kermaier
>44 claudio76:
Hmm, good point -- that makes a big difference to the overall value proposition.
Hmm, good point -- that makes a big difference to the overall value proposition.
46antinous_in_london
>45 kermaier:. 2 volumes, though unless people want to brush up on their Italian, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic etc I'm assuming that of the 2 volumes the English translation will get more wear & the facsimile volume will be a nice thing to look at (very) occasionally.
47claudio76
>46 antinous_in_london: true, but this is more about your taste/interest. I believe to have a copy of the facsimile of what is considered one, if not the most beautiful book ever published in a good edition should be interesting for every bibliophile (unless you could afford the Aldine for like 100K+ euro 😊)
48antinous_in_london
>47 claudio76: True , though for €900 it could have been even more than just a ‘good edition’, to use your own description. As mentioned above, this edition has been reduced in size from the original so technically it’s ‘almost’ a facsimile.
49Shadekeep
This one just came up for me in a search. It's for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, printed on black paper.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/luisferro/oscar-wilde-on-black-paper
It's in the Letterpress category, but I cannot find the word letterpress anywhere in the campaign description. It does say this:
Printed and bound using centuries-old techniques, traditions, and technologies, each special edition will represent a piece of history. These processes are longer, harder, and more expensive than ordinary printing, but the final result is something extraordinarily beautiful.
So I'm guessing that means letterpress. I'll ask Luis Ferro about it directly. His previous volume, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, looks interesting too.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/luisferro/oscar-wilde-on-black-paper
It's in the Letterpress category, but I cannot find the word letterpress anywhere in the campaign description. It does say this:
Printed and bound using centuries-old techniques, traditions, and technologies, each special edition will represent a piece of history. These processes are longer, harder, and more expensive than ordinary printing, but the final result is something extraordinarily beautiful.
So I'm guessing that means letterpress. I'll ask Luis Ferro about it directly. His previous volume, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, looks interesting too.
50NathanOv
>49 Shadekeep: I have to imagine the letterpress category was a mistake, given the price point. It would be a nice surprise, but I imagine this would require an exceptional amount of print testing and extra quality control and the materials are already on the costly side.
51Shadekeep
>50 NathanOv: Agreed. Not sure what white ink works well with metal type, though no doubt one exists. Probably not cheap either, being a specialty ink. So another factor making true letterpress unlikely.
52whytewolf1
Pretty sure this will be printed digitally. And the letterpress category may not have been so much a mistake as a clever appropriation by the publisher seeing that they’re offering some more nicely bound editions for $299-799, which could potentially appeal to the type of buyer interested in letterpress productions.
53Shadekeep
Just heard back from Luis on The Picture of Dorian Gray, it was placed in Letterpress by error. He meant to put it in Fiction, apparently the category links are proximal when creating a new campaign. It does seem like a title meant to attract fine press folks, though, and a shame it's not letterpress. Probably would be very expensive if it were, though.
54Shadekeep
The Picture of Dorian Gray has moved out of the Letterpress category now. Meanwhile, a new project in German is launching. It is apparently the revised edition of the original book, Die Bierbel, an alcohol-tinged take on scripture.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bierbel/die-bierbel-zweite-auflage
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bierbel/die-bierbel-zweite-auflage
55A.Nobody
Beehive Books has an Illuminated Edition of Dante's Inferno coming up on Kickstarter. Sophy Hollington's linocuts could make for a beautiful production.
