From the Country of the Minotaur

FROM THE COUNTRY OF THE MINOTAUR

Rhyming Haiku by Gerald Nason: a selection
185 x 155mm
Bound during the period 1999-2003

A crossed-structure binding in laminated orange Harmatan ‘Floreated’ goatskin and brown reversed suede. Feathered onlays and leather ‘buttons’. Clasp sculpted from bone fragment and dyed to match leather. Sewn on a wraparound concertina endpaper of decorative handmade paper.

Sections are of Bodleian handmade paper (seconds) chosen for its imperfections and ‘rattle’. Edges dyed with analine dyes. Sewing thread dyed with ink to match endpapers. 'Made’ endleaves inkjet printed with images extrapolated from the text and illustrations.

Leather ‘cameos’ inkjet printed on alum-tawed goatskin. Text and illustrations enhanced by the author by smudging with saliva.

Cruciform case of recycled wood-free ‘Windmill’ paper. Base laminated with ‘Bark Paper’.

Originally bound in 1999 as a blank book, all the principal materials were selected for their ‘lighthearted’ nature - befitting the simple, unpretentious structure. The original concept was to create a cross between a ‘Filofax’ and a childrens rag book: fun but useful.

Re-bound and augmented in 2003 after the addition of text and illustrations by artist and poet Gerald Nason, who’s reaction to the binding was to create something which was fun but serious (and a little sad). It forms part of the author’s on-going campaign for the recognition of the plight of the unfortunate Minotaur.

Winner of Best Overall Binding by a Non-Professional Binder and Best Complete Book in the Society of Bookbinders Competition, 2003

More pictures of this binding can be found here