An Arthurian Narrative Sonnet Cycle

St. Petersburg: Nikodim, 2019. Limited edition. Hardcover. Fine. Limited edition. Folio. 32pp. Red leather spine and edges, marbled paper boards, the upper boards impressed with an engraving of Camelot and with a title label printed in red.

Thirteen scenes covering the Age of Arthur in sonnet form support the artist's powerful illustrations. The narrative begins with the boy Merlin, King Vortigern and the dragons, then continues through Uther & Ygraine, the Swords, Lancelot & Guinevere, Mordred and finally the unearthing of Arthur's casket at Glastonbury. This is not a book for children. The artist has graphically depicted the adultery (truncated) of Uther and Ygraine and of Arthur and Morgause, and the seduction of Merlin by Nimue.

The paper of the boards and slipcases was made and marbled by the artist, as was the text paper. Each page was etched in a series of background lines and shapes before the text was printed letterpress and the engraved images taken directly from the blocks.
One of 20 copies, each signed by the artist and by the author. This is No. 3.
Fine, as new in the publisher's slipcase. (Inventory #: 21157)