Fine press books have remained popular among rare book collectors since the genre emerged in the late nineteenth century. William Morris, who came up with the concept of fine press, wanted to recall the golden days of printing and publishing. Fine press books embody artistic taste and beauty.
Shanty Bay Press of Ontario has certainly maintained Morris ideals. Established in 1996, the press is devoted to publishing livres dartists; that is, books where the text and illustrations contribute equally to the book design and aesthetic. Janis Butler is the mastermind behind Shanty Bay Press type-setting, presswork, and binding, while Walter Bachinski is responsible for illustrations.
This month weve added a few items from Shanty Bay Press to our inventory.Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite
Translated by Susan C. Shelmerdine, this piece features a preface by Bachinski. With 3 full-page pochoir illustrations and 3 two-colour woodcuts by Bachinski, Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite is handset on Somerset Satin paper 250 gsm using Bembo type. Only 100 copies were printed.
CIRCUS: The Artist as Saltimbanque
The circus has long fascinated artists and writers alike. Designed jointly by Butler and Bachinski, CIRCUS contains writings and art loosely based around this theme, including excerpts from Apollinaire, Baudelaire, and Twain. The book is hand-set Deepdene on 200 gsm Arches cover. The book is quarter bound in cloth and Somegami paper and is housed in a cloth-covered slipcase. The 4 full-page pochoirs and 8 multi-coloured linocuts created and executed by Bachinski.
Virgil's Georgics
Translated here by English poet Robert Wells, Virgils Georgicsis a lengthy poem that evokes agriculture and animal husbandry. A joint effort by Butler and Bachinski, Virgils Georgics features 5 pochoirs reflecting the poems themes. It is set in Bembo printed on 225 gsm Arches cover with woodcuts printed on Japanese Kurotani 5. Only 67 copies were printed.
