2024 · Santa Cruz, CA
by [Foolscap Press] Paine, Thomas; Thomas Ingmire, calligrapher
Santa Cruz, CA: Foolscap Press, 2024. Fine. Number 50 of 90 copies, signed and numbered by the calligrapher. There were also 15 copies done for the participants in making the book. It is a handsome and timely book from the Foolscap Press of Peggy Gotthold and Lawrence G. Van Velzer. They write in the prospectus: "In The Documents and the many writings of Thomas Paine (1737-1809), one can hear the arguments laid out for an egalitarian and just society that influenced the birth of the United States, English law, and the French Revolution. His words continue to inspire those who search, even now, for a just government and a more civilized society....Most important for our times is that Thomas Paine reminds us that the fight for democracy, once achieved, is never incontrovertibly won, and how fitting is his belief that to take away voting is to reduce a man to slavery."
This letterpress printed book includes five multicolored full-pages of calligraphy and one single color page by award winning calligrapher, Thomas Ingmire. He was elected to the Society of Scribes and Illuminators in London, the first American to be elected to this status. For this book Ingmire extracted quotes from Paine's wise writings to bring the words alive on the page. Bound in gray textured cloth with a red bordered label with a facsimile of Paine's signature and red bordered title label to spine. The binding is sewn onto carbon fiber rods which allows the book to lay flat when opened. The handmade paper used for the binding is from Cave Paper and the text paper is Hahnemühle paper. Set in Caslon type, the typeface used in the first printing of the Declaration of Independence as well as a favorite house face in Benjamin Franklin's print shop. Accompanied by the prospectus. In fine condition. Measures 10 x 15.25 inches. 68 pages. PRI/070124. (Inventory #: 37464)
This letterpress printed book includes five multicolored full-pages of calligraphy and one single color page by award winning calligrapher, Thomas Ingmire. He was elected to the Society of Scribes and Illuminators in London, the first American to be elected to this status. For this book Ingmire extracted quotes from Paine's wise writings to bring the words alive on the page. Bound in gray textured cloth with a red bordered label with a facsimile of Paine's signature and red bordered title label to spine. The binding is sewn onto carbon fiber rods which allows the book to lay flat when opened. The handmade paper used for the binding is from Cave Paper and the text paper is Hahnemühle paper. Set in Caslon type, the typeface used in the first printing of the Declaration of Independence as well as a favorite house face in Benjamin Franklin's print shop. Accompanied by the prospectus. In fine condition. Measures 10 x 15.25 inches. 68 pages. PRI/070124. (Inventory #: 37464)