William Shakespeare (1564-1616), The Tragedie of King Lear; with woodcuts by Claire Van Vliet (Bangor: Theodore Press, 1986). Copy 94 or 160. Graphic Arts Collection (GAX) Oversize NE1112.V36 S52 1986q

One of the fine press editions that is requested on a regular basis is this 1986 edition of King Lear. The entire colophon is reproduced below but note, in particular, the integration of text and image, which is central to this edition. The text preparation, typographical design, setting and presswork were done by Michael Alpert at the Theodore Press in Bangor, Maine.

I’m also showing the birch covers, which were individually decorated by Claire Van Vliet who designed the binding with Nancy Southworth of Lancaster, New Hampshire. After spending most of the day at the fine press fair in New York City yesterday, I was reminded of the importance of all the elements that go into the making of a book. This is a perfect example of a successful collaboration between many artists.