Complete Collection of the Albondocani Press

New York: Albondocani Press, 1991. First edition. Near fine or better.. A complete set of signed limited editions from one of the great small fine presses of contemporary US literature, as well as its annual holiday cards (most illustrated by Edward Gorey) - the copies of the publisher's parents. Over three decades, Albondocani issued near forty beautiful signed limited edition fine press chapbooks from such authors as Tennessee Williams, Joyce Carol Oates, Reynolds Price, Denise Levertov, Saul Bellow, Katherine Anne Porter, William Styron, Flannery O'Connor, and Edward Gorey - whom it published more than any other author (nine times). Bixby's books were elegant: sometimes bound in striking wallpaper or colorful marbled wrappers, and almost all letterpress by Carol Sturm's Nadja Press. Bixby also befriended many of the authors he published, perhaps especially Katherine Anne Porter and Gorey. In addition to his publishing activities, for more than forty years George Bixby was a book dealer, issuing nearly 100 catalogues as Ampersand Books, specializing in modern firsts, fine press, and limited editions. Bixby served as Contributing Editor at the magazine AMERICAN BOOK COLLECTOR, penning numerous articles and serving as the general editor for their long-running series of bibliographic checklists. He also wrote the still-standard reference on the poet Thom Gunn (also among the writers published by Albondocani), co-authored with J.W.C. Hagstrom (Bertram Rota, 1979).

This collection features all titles issued by Bixby, as well as every holiday card (with their original envelopes). This set originally belonged to Bixby's parents- most of the chapbooks are the letter "B" copies or out of series (Bixby retained the "A" copies for himself). A difficult set to assemble, especially with the cards, and with exceptional provenance. Various sizes, most 8.25'' x 5.25''. Majority original sewn decorative wrappers with mounted title cards; several original boards. Majority the "B" copies from the lettered edition of 26, balance almost all out of series (one numbered 9, one lettered "N"). Richard Wilbur's Elizabeth Bishop Memorial volume present in both wrappered (copy "B") and hardcover issues (lettered, in type, the "Harold Bixby" copy). Numerous announcements and other pieces of press ephemera laid in. With: 24 Albondocani holiday cards, all in their original mailing envelopes addressed to Bixby's parents. All volumes generally clean, sharp, and sound. A complete inventory is available.