Browse Similar Items
MISCELLANEOUS WORKS.
(Chicago and Skokie, Illinois: Black Cat Press, 1962-77). All works measuring 49 to 75 mm. (about 2 to 3") tall. Seven separately published works in eight volumes.
All in their original bindings (see below). Binding of "A Testament of Freedom" somewhat worn, including a short crack to upper joint; "A Christmas Parable with a little rubbing to extremities and tail of lower joint; all other works in mint condition inside and out.
Printer and press founder Norman Forgue said in his bibliography that the Black Cat Press "has had a long and prolific life. Founded in 1932 at the height of the Depression, its only assets were an empty pocketbook and a burning desire to do fine printing and make beautiful books, and hopefully find employment." Although Forgue had printed several "little" books and keepsakes early in his career, the first true miniature book was not produced by the press until 1961. The titles in the present collection include:
1) BEWICK, THOMAS, Illustrator. "VIGNETTES FROM BIRDS, QUADRUPEDS AND FABLES." [1971] ONE OF 200 COPIES. Red leather, gilt, French fold. With illustrations printed from original blocks. "This is probably the only miniature book partly printed by hand and part on modern automatic presses." (Forgue)
2) EISENSCHIML, OTTO. "THE CIVIL WAR IN MINIATURE." [1962] ONE OF 275 COPIES. Dark blue leather, gilt, crossed sword design on upper covers, French fold.
3) FORGUE, NORMAN. "A CHRISTMAS PARABLE." [1964] ONE OF 200 COPIES. Red leather, gilt, French fold. With decorations by Gerald Whalen. According to Forgue, this is "Basically a true story and an experience I will long remember."
4) FORGUE, NORMAN, Compiler. "A TESTAMENT OF FREEDOM." [1966] ONE OF 200 COPIES BOUND IN LEATHER. Red leather, gilt, French fold.
5) J. B. H., Jr. "A CHRISTMAS STORY." [1961] ONE OF 300 COPIES (of which 50 were for sale). Brown paper boards with rows of gilt stars, backed with green leather.
6) LEVITAN, KALMAN. "MINIATURE BOOKS RELATING TO POSTAGE STAMPS." (1983) Two volumes. ONE OF 250 COPIES. Red leather, gilt. Volume I with a USPS mini-stamp as a frontispiece; recto of title with an ink gift inscription; volume II with a "keepsake for friends" dated 1978 bound in, with a place for a postage stamp to be added.
7) NICHOLS, DALE. "LET THERE BE LIGHT." [1969] ONE OF 250 COPIES. Turquoise leather, gilt. (ST15816-74)
Price: $375.00