Books Tell You Why. All About Collecting Rare Books

History of the Fine Press Movement

By Adrienne Rivera. Feb 17, 2024. 8:17 PM.

Among book collectors, fine press editions are some of the most sought-after books on the primary and secondary market. Painstakingly crafted and existing only in limited quantities, these books are as beautiful as one might expect for something so lovingly created. Today, we take a look at the roots of the fine press movement as well as how organizations today are dedicating themselves to seeing this time-intensive labor of literary love going in an era where mass printing is easier than ever before and when more and more people are turning to electronic versions of books rather than physical copies.

Collecting Charles van Sandwyk

By Adrienne Rivera. May 5, 2023. 7:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Art

Canadian writer and illustrator Charles van Sandwyk is best known for his charming and whimsical limited-run books. The quality of each hand-made production makes van Sandwyk's work appealing to collectors and casual readers. His attention to detail with carefully crafted illustrations and an eye toward depicting natural and imaginary beings gives his work an ethereal quality ideal for adults and children alike. Van Sandwky was born in South Africa in 1966. Here, he developed his love of nature and drawing as he practiced sketching the beautiful creatures that call the area home. His family moved to Canada when he was just eleven years old. During this time, he discovered two of his other great influences: JRR Tolkien and Arthur Rackham. He continued to practice drawing, and his style evolved further due to mentorship from his art teachers. Three, in particular, helped him find his path by teaching him calligraphy and printmaking, while another gifted him an antique printing press. He went on to study graphic design at Capilano College. One of his greatest inspirations is Fiji, a place that had been for him an endless source of peace, happiness, and creativity. He produces most artwork there, working closely with his friend Waisiki Doughty, who helps hand-make van Sandwyk's books. Today we take a closer look at some of the most beautiful works of art from van Sandwyk for those interested in beginning a collection.

Charles van Sandwyk: Captivating Books of Exceptional Artistry

By Andrea Koczela. May 12, 2019. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Illustrators, Fine Press

The work of Charles van Sandwyk is a delight for all book lovers, but especially enthusiasts of fine press, children's literature, and exceptional illustrations. Recalling an earlier age, his artwork portrays whimsical animals, fairies, and elves in unique, and sometimes magical settings. As a child, van Sandwyk immersed himself in the works of J. M. Barrie, Beatrix Potter, and J. R. R. Tolkien. These influences are evident in his own creations, as is his admiration for classic illustrator Arthur Rackham. Take a moment to delve into the world of Charles van Sandwyk. Be enchanted.

Harold Pinter: Playwright, Actor, Cricketeer, Nobel Prize Winner

By Kristin Masters. Oct 24, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Collecting, Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

This month, we celebrate Harold Pinter, whose varied career spanned over fifty years. Born on October 10, 1930, the Nobel laureate was more than a legendary writer. He was also a political activist, actor, director, and cricketeer.

A Closer Look at Fine Press Books

By Kristin Masters. Sep 20, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Collecting, Book Making

Made in limited quantities, fine press books elevate publishing to an art. They are highly sought after by art lovers and book collectors alike. If you've been reading our blog for any length of time, you know of our affinity for fine press books. We love seeing what the likes of Heavenly Monkey, The Golden Cockerel Press, Nawakum Press, and more create. Do you have a fine press collection? Or are you interested in adding fine press titles to your library?

VLOG: Long Stitch Bookbinding

By Brian Hoey. Apr 11, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Making

Medieval Germany: it brought us Otto the Great, the formation of the Hanseatic League, and the first stirrings of the Protestant Reformation. It also, as best as we can discern, brought us long stitch bookbinding, a non-adhesive form of bookmaking (meaning it eschews the use of glue or other adhesives) that gained some popularity in 18th and 19th century Europe.

Book Collecting: Taschen’s Limited Letterpress Edition of The Fire Next Time

By Audrey Golden. Jan 19, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, American Literature

James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time (1963) was published for the first time over 50 years ago. To commemorate its original publication, and to remind readers of its continued significance in the twenty-first century, Taschen released a letterpress edition of the book, which includes more than 100 photographs taken by Steve Schapiro. As a photographer for Life magazine, Schapiro traveled through the American South with Baldwin and captured images from the Civil Rights movement, including pictures from Selma and from the March on Washington. In addition to Baldwin’s texts and Schapiro’s photos, this letterpress edition of The Fire Next Time also includes an introduction from U.S. Congressman John Lewis, who marched from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 while serving as Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). The edition also contains some of Schapiro’s stories from his travels with Baldwin, as well as an essay by Baldwin’s sister, Gloria Baldwin Karefa-Smart.

Boxcar Press, Letterpress, and Fine Press Bookmaking

By Audrey Golden. Jan 12, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Making

For many authors and illustrators, the ability to make your own book is quite appealing. If you’re interested in collecting fine press objects or bookmaking through the art of letterpress, what are your options? One of the more interesting possibilities for contemporary authors who want to pursue letterpress comes from Boxcar Press. Unlike other presses, Boxcar Press isn’t always printing books (although it does have printing capabilities). Instead, it’s making polymer plates for letterpress bookmakers and broadside artists who are interested in modern fine press. We’ll tell you a little bit more about the polymer plates that Boxcar Press makes, and then we’ll tell you about some of the great resources it offers to those who are new to letterpress as well as those who have been doing letterpress for quite awhile.

Collecting Melville's Masterpiece: Moby Dick

By Adrienne Rivera. Oct 18, 2017. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Book Collecting, American Literature, First Editions

Herman Melville's first novel Typee, was a critical and popular success. Indeed, it launched him headfirst into a massive literary career. However, his subsequent books did not receive as many positive reviews, and in his lifetime, he slipped into relative obscurity as something of a one hit wonder despite continuing to publish both novels and short stories. He died in 1891. It wasn't until what would have been his hundredth birthday that the “Melville Revival” began. His books were reprinted, scholars began studying and writing about him, and his unfinished works were released. Since this revival, Melville has taken his place as one of the American literature greats. His novel Moby Dick, while considered a disaster at the time of publishing, is an area of study all its own and is considered one of the best American novels ever written. Melville collectors may be interested in learning about the following editions of the seminal work and potentially adding one to their shelves.

A William Morris FAQ

By Nick Ostdick. Oct 11, 2017. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Fine Press

If there’s one problem with our literary landscape, it’s perhaps there are too many great writers and thinkers for the average reader to keep track. Whether you’re looking into a specific literary tradition, region, or movement, it’s easy to gloss over a handful of important writers or those literary artists who have in subtle ways influenced future generations of scribes. Because history is instructive and it’s impossible to understand where you’re going without realizing where you’ve been, this oversight can be a serious misstep for the literary enthusiast.

Perhaps one of the greatest oversights—especially considering the width and depth of the career and creative interests—is English writer, poet, designer, and socialist activist William Morris.