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The Raven

Item date(s): 1980

Edgar Allan Poe
Donald Glaister  - (bookbinding by)
Alan James Robinson  - (illustrated by)


Size: 400mm
Binding: Designer binding
Edition: Unique

Sub-type: Private press

Publisher: Cheloniidae Press
Exhibition 2019-1

Additional notes:
Unique copy of the signed, limited edition, this is an artist's proof copy with two original full-page watercolors by Mr Robinson, of the first and last woodengraved images of the raven, the second featuring a portrait of Edgar Allan Poe, both signed by the artist, from a total issue of 125; 100 regular edition and 25 with an extra suite, all on Arches Cover, handnumbered and signed by the artist, Alan James Robinson.

Signed by the binder on the rear inside cover and dated 2010.

Housed in a drop-back box.

; signed on lower turnin in blind, "Donald Glaister" with a gold dot and dated 2010, house in custom-made black cloth clamshell box with padding to accommodate raised binding, paper on spine in violet and black, printed in black, "E.A. Poe / THE RAVEN / Cheloniidae Press / 1980". An extraordinary tour-de-force from renowned binder Donald Glaister who has captured the angst of Poe's verse.

The two watercolours by Robinson are in black and blue and blue violet and tans as well as whites. The portrait of Poe with the Raven above him features parallel lines above the body of the bird with wings extended shown in negative space against the deep blue violet background. The first watercolour, a portrait of the Raven, is against a lattice cited in Poe's verse. The uneasiness in the verse is captured in the coloured images - which work perfectly with the colours of the binding.

The text is hand-set and printed by Harold McGrath in Bruce Rogers lovely 24pt. Centaur type in black and red ink. This bold re-telling of Poe's classic tale is the first book by Alan James Robinson and his Cheloniidae Press. It is illustrated with five full-page original etchings and two original wood engravings. It was an auspicious beginning and subsequent work by this talented artist confirms his place in contemporary book arts.

See also: AB/3531

See also: 2 x prints editioned 99/200, signed, dated and titled. Medium Envelope

Exhibition notes:
Samplings: International Artists' Books and Archive on the Book Arts

JGCBA, WAM

26 March to 6 July 2019

Ref: GB/12743









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