Book Arts Collections

The Speech Writer is a fictional documentary presented in the form of ten flip books (6 x 12 cm) in a slipcase. The contents follow a day in the life of a retired political speech writer. Surrounded by the memories of his family and his vast collection of speeches, he is a creature of habit, idiosyncratic behaviour and reclusive existence. Retired from a lifetime of public service work, his connection with the outside world takes the form of a daily broadcast from the comfort of his home. Passersby, now accustomed to the perplexing array of loudspeakers wired to the outside of his house, stop to listen for a few moments each day. We cannot hear him speak but witness instead a moment of ultimate freedom in the life of a man who formulated the rhetoric, visions, dreams and declarations of others.

The Kelmscott Chaucer is the most memorable and beautiful edition of the complete works of the first great English poet. Next to The Gutenberg Bible, it is considered the outstanding typographic achievement of all time. There are 87 full-page illustrations by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, and the borders, decorations and initials are drawn byWilliam Morris himself. Only 425 copies of this magnificent work were produced in 1896, and this beautiful monochrome facsimile, slightly smaller than the original, makes this glorious book available to all. A fascinating Introduction by Nicholas Barker places the book and its importance in context. The main text is followed by a black and white facsimile of ANoteby William Morris on his Aims in Founding the Kelmscott Press, together with a Short History of the Press by S C Cockerell.

In response to the present day revival of interest in fine printing and binding, this unique volume highlights several of North America's special collections focusing on various aspects of the history and art of the book. Experts describe the scope, value, and utility of diverse collections in Canada, New York, California, Washington, New Jersey, and more, that reflect the collecting interests of librarians and private donors. Bibliophiles will be fascinated by the historical overviews of the collections on calligraphy, papermaking, bookbinding, printing, and illustration and the insight into the future direction of library acquisitions. The addition of a list of readings provides a basic framework and helpful suggestions for further reading on the topics covered in this definitive book.

• Cutting-edge idea! • Titles on altered books are topping sales charts • Packed with valuable artists’ resources—galleries, bookstores, Web sites, book fairs, exhibitions Famous artists from David Hockney and Andy Warhol to Gilbert and George have created their own books—distinctive bound collections of work, sometimes variations on the popular altered-book craze. Now any artist can follow in the booksteps of these well-known muses, with the help ofCreating Artists’ Books. Author Sarah Bodman, an expert on artists’ books, gives wonderful inspiration and practical guidance on printmaking processes for making books, digital output and computer-based books, assembling books with limited resources, and creating altered books. An invaluable appendix lists bookstores and galleries that sell and exhibit artists’ book; book arts collections, archives, and organizations; book fairs; related Web sites; and more.Creating Artists’ Booksis packed with ideas, inspiration, and information from cover to cover.

In the seventeenth century, the Persian city of Isfahan was a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy. Manuscript paintings produced within the city’s various cultural, religious, and ethnic groups reveal the vibrant artistic legacy of the Safavid Empire. Published to coincide with an exhibition at the Getty Museum, Book Arts of Isfahan offers a fascinating account of the ways in which the artists of Isfahan used their art to record the life around them and at the same time define their own identities within a complex society.

"Over the last ten years this book has become the definitive text in an emergent field: teachers, librarians, students, artists, and readers turn to the expertise contained on these pages every day."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

“Ursula Le Guin is more than just a writer of adult fantasy and science fiction . . . she is a philosopher; an explorer in the landscapes of the mind.” – Cincinnati Enquirer The recipient of numerous literary prizes, including the National Book Award, the Kafka Award, and the Pushcart Prize, Ursula K. Le Guin is renowned for her spare, elegant prose, rich characterization, and diverse worlds. "Direction of the Road" is a short story originally published in the collection The Wind's Twelve Quarters.

"The future vision of a soon-to-be emancipated 19th century Negress."--Prelim. leaf.