The Indigo Bunting; 15 love poems

Santa Rosa: Nawakum Press, 2010. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Cranmer, Keith. One of 20 deluxe copies, quarto size, [32] pp., signed by Robert Bly, with extra print signed by Cranmer, in a clamshell box. An early publication by the Nawakum Press run by the inimitable David Pascoe, whose name has become synonomous throughout the world of fine press publishing with meticulous craftsmanship and design, often paired with original art work by contemporary artists. As is stated on their web site, "While incorporating the very best from the fine press tradition, the Press also chooses to stretch the boundaries of the modern day book."

This (truncated) work presents fifteen poems by Robert Elwood Bly (1926-2021), renowned poet and activist, who won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1968 for his book "The Light Around the Body". Per the prospectus, "It has been said that Bly has taken on many roles, among them groundbreaking poet, and remains one of the most hotly debated artists of the past half century The psychologist Robert Moore has said that, 'when the cultural and intellectual history of our time is written, Robert Bly will be recognized as the catalyst for a sweeping cultural revolution.' "

Presented with two original wood engravings by Berkeley artist Keith Cranmer, who began engraving by hand in 1975. He "works on paper with drawing, gouache, ink, and painting...[h]is main interest is representational figurative drawing with, at times, a surreal edge" (n.b., quote from the web site of the American Society of Bookplate Collectors and Designers).

This one of twenty deluxe copies with a separate engraving in a wallet numbered and signed by Cranmer, the engraving and book in a clamshell box.

___DESCRIPTION: Quarter bound in foil stamped rich brown leather with burnt orange Cave Paper over boards, paper label on the front board with a wood engraving of the Indigo Bunting, patterned endpapers, the frontispiece a two-colour wood engraving (both this and the engraving on the front board printed letterpress directly from the blocks), title page in brown and black, poem numbers and titles in brown, signed by Robert Bly in ink at the colophon; monotype Walbaum on Hahnemühle Biblio, quarto size (10 3/4" by 6 3/8"), [32] pages, limited edition, this no. 9 of 20 deluxe copies, total edition 100. Enclosed in a paper chemise is an engraving of the Indigo Bunting also used for the cover, signed and numbered in pencil by Keith Cranmer. Both contained in a clamshell box of Japanese brown book cloth, leather spine label with gilt lettering inset.

___CONDITION: Volume fine, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; as new directly from the Press. Separate print and chemise also fine, clean and without wear; clamshell box fine, also clean and without wear. Overall a stunning production.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.

___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. (Inventory #: 24061405)