Fine Press Books

 

 

Fine Press Books

As described by Grace Glueck in the New York Times article, Ode to Well-Made Books and the Art of Printing, "fine-press books are meant to celebrate the written word by masterly use of typography, illustration, layout, paper, binding and press work."

This emphasis on book design and production contrasts with the commercial slant of typical modern publishing. Even today, fine press books may be hand-set and hand-printed. Many books or portfolios incorporate the works of local or prominent artists. Fine press books are sometimes also referred to as small or private press books and are often available only as limited editions.

The private press movement grew in the late nineteenth century with the formation of William Morris' Kelmscott Press and continues to flourish today. Examples of current presses in British Columbia include the Barbarian Press, Frog Hollow Press, Greenboathouse Books, Heavenly Monkey, and (m)Öthêr Tøñgué Presš.

Thanks to the generous donation of Yosef Wosk, the Special Collections recently purchased these titles to add to the library's collection of fine press books.