Blue Chair Press ~ California
(Elaine Benjamin)

ABC
A visually stunning alphabet book by Elaine Benjamin. Repetitions of each letter are arranged in innovative patterns, many of which completely obscure, and yet transcend, the individual letter forms. Each alphabetic illustration, cleanly embossed into the paper to create raised and depressed images, can be read from the front or back of the page, with versos and rectos seeming to tell an ongoing story in an ancient glyph. Embossed on an etching press into creme-colored, Arches printmaking paper, a weighty sheet that takes impression well. The book, effectively monochromatic, is sewn into a sheet of the same paper with supported spine and is embossed with a pleasing tumble of letters on the cover. Natural and hand-torn deckled edges add to the overall visual texture and tactile pleasure. Housed in a folded paper case for protection. This book is a worthy addition to any collection of Alphabet Books. Edition of 100. (12 x 10.5 inches.) Must see.
$500 (Last copy!)