500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form (500 Series)

Steve Miller

ISBN 10: 1579908772 / ISBN 13: 9781579908775

Published by Sterling Publishing, 2008

Seller Inventory # mon0000014593

Synopsis:

Interest in bookbinding and the related arts has exploded in the past decade, inspiring artists to explore the unlimited possibilities of the form&;and delighting collectors, crafters, and gallery owners. Lark&;s Cover to Cover has been a bestseller for more than ten years, and this new and provocative on-the-page gallery, richly illustrated with hundreds of breathtaking photographs, will appeal to that same large and discerning audience. They&;ll appreciate the artistry of a finely tooled leather cover, embellished with traditional gold-leaf lettering; the intricacy of an exotic Ethiopian binding with a show-stopping open spine; and others that resemble mysterious puzzle boxes, or that curl, hang, and swirl. The sublimely talented contributors all put their finest work on display: Jeanne Germani&;s Cloudspeak showcases her own handmade papers, made from such varied materials as recycled denim, thistle, and other plant matter. Chris Bivin&;s codex-style volume features curious, tiny, found objects. One of Laura Wait&;s untitled pieces utilizes a handsome raised-cord binding to connect a pair of stained-cedar covers with abstract aluminum letterforms attached.
The entire collection is juried by the esteemed Steve Miller.

Reviews: The book is a perfect union of form and function, and as such has proven to be endlessly adaptable to aesthetic and technological innovation. But now this companionable design marvel—this vessel for literature, entertainment, information, transformation, and transcendence—is facing an uncertain future as texts are digitized and the quest for affordable, reader-friendly e-book devices intensifies. So what better time to take a step back and ponder the thingness of books? Books as objects; books as sculptures. In another entry in the lively 500 series (500 Tiles, 2008), readers will view with no small measure of astonishment 500 variations on the theme of the book. A list of the materials used in these playful, elegant, improbable, and affecting creations includes plastic, wax, cloth, brass, wood, leather, hemp, vintage buttons, prairie grass and pine needles, glass beads and seed pods, ceramics, and found objects. Book artist Steve Miller made the selections and shares his delight in their “ingenuity and creativity.” Visually dynamic, these are also totemic works of art celebrating the power of words and story. --Donna Seaman

Bibliographic Details

Title: 500 Handmade Books: Inspiring ...
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: paperback
Condition: Acceptable