Upon graduating from college with a B.A. in the late 1980s, I went to work at a magazine (remember those?). There I was assigned to work for a well-known and popular columnist. For his bi-monthly column, I would conduct extensive research and laboriously check every fact; as this was pre-internet, that meant trips to libraries and calls to people around the globe at a time when that was still rare. Often, I would actually write entire drafts of the column, only to have said columnist simply add a few of his distinctive linguistic flourishes before deadline. And, quite understandably, the byline over the text was his.
Throughout much of the history of Western arts and letters collaboration has been more common than not. It is not uncommon to see a painting in a museum attributed to “from the workshop of…” reflecting a practice in which apprentices and assistants would prepare canvases and even complete entire paintings with just a few touches by the “master” added at the end. This was particularly common in the 15th century (e.g., Botticelli) through 17th century (e.g., Rubens)
In general, I think collaboration is a brilliant thing, and throughout my life I sought it out – whether in the truly collaborative process of 35 years with my wife or as a Co-Director of a nonprofit agency for nearly 20 years. However, one of the things I am most proud of in creating a facsimile of The Ideal Book is that every step – from conception through production – has been done by my own hand. Each copy I produce is a labor of love (and learning). This runs counter to even the artisanal process of the Doves Press where many hands were involved in the conception, composition, printing, and binding of books. This does not, of course, mean that others have not been involved is helping me through the process. I have previously highlighted some of those people – for example, my letterpress printing guru, Eric Doyle and the remarkable book artist Karen Hanmer. However, the actual work of producing each copy has been my own.
However, the vicissitudes of life mean that a solo creator can often find processes interrupted. Such has been the case over the last month. I shall not bore you with all of the details – they are the mundane ones of navigating healthcare systems for myself and family members, as well as demands of my “real” job. Thus, I am running about two weeks behind where I hoped to be at this point. Time has opened up as of this weekend, and I will be hard at work over the coming ten days or so to finish all copies of the Lettered Vellum Edition and all pre-ordered copies of the Numbered paper edition. I shall endeavor to have these in the post in plenty of time for the holidays so many celebrate. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at info@ampersandbookstudio.com.