This book was initiated by a request from a long-time collector of Charles van Sandwyk's art and books. In the early '90s this American collector commissioned two etchings from CVS, to be used as bookplates. As the commission proceeded, the collector assembled an archive of drawings and various state prints and proofs. Familiar with our collaborations (and friendship) with CVS, he asked HM to assemble into some kind of publication, along with a preface by the artist. Since the type would be set anyway, and CVS had a handful of extra copies of the etchings, we decided to publish the commission's chronicle in an edition of 12 copies, each with seven original etchings (one hand colored) tipped in, and reproductions of two original sketches. (By comparison, the collector's unique copy contained 15 etchings and two drawings.)

A highlight of this project was be the extensive participation of calligrapher Martin Jackson, who rendered the title in each copy, the preface's initial letter, and editioned the colophons (practice sheet shown at right). Another highlight was the addition of Claudia Cohen's name to the list of collaborators. Cohen's career spans 30 years and includes projects for Gehenna and Cheloniidae, among many others. She is now based in Seattle, and HM was extremely pleased to have her name associated with one of our books. Cohen bound nine of the 12 copies in full limp vellum (left over from her work on the Moser Bible!), with a traycase.

Of the remaining three copies, two were sewn on purple vellum slips, and laced into a limp case made from Reg Lissel's faux vellum paper. This is an abaca-based paper, overbeaten and heavily sized, creating a sheet with the translucence, feel and strength of vellum. The third was bound in a similar manner but with a different wrap, which the artist embellished in watercolor.

The book measures ten inches square, 22 pp. The printed text, including the artists's two-page preface, was set in 18-pt Perpetua, and printed on Arches Cover with our Washington handpress. Copies 1-6 were issued by the publisher, and 7-12 by the artist. The total edition was fully subscribed before completion.

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