Memento Mori : Memento Vivere Two Volumes

Oldham, England: Incline Press, 2023. Softcover. Fine. Softcover. Number 44 of 175 copies signed and numbered by the printer Graham Moss. From the press website: "[This] is a book that is both a memorial and celebration of the life of librarian, bibliophile and printer Kathy Whalen. Written by her partner and co-publisher Graham Moss of Incline Press, the book is presented in a joyous and moving series of 50 double page spreads in the style of a commonplace book. Each opening shows a letterpress text opposite a sheet of tip-ins, colourful prints and artworks. The book charts both the home and professional times of Kathy's life during this 21 year collaboration with Graham....Written with open-hearted frankness, the book reminds us that we must all die, and so too bemindful to live as we should." The letterpress text recounting Kathy's life was written by Graham in a generally chronological manner. At the end of each page he provides the typographical information about the items found on the facing page, including paper used, types and font size, and other details when relevant. The tip-ins, art and other printed items accompanying the text provide a varied and often delightful picture of the memories surrounding the lives of Kathy and Graham. The second volume contains "further pages from a typographical commonplace book." It is a continuation of the standard copy of this book. The first volume has pages 1 - 51 of the double page spreads. The second volume has 52 - 60 double page spreads. Laid in the first volume is a certificate from the 2022 Fine Press Book Fair announcing that this book was given the Judge's Choice Award at that fair.

Bound in bright yellow paper covers of handmade paper from Two Rivers Paper atWatchet in Somerset Begun with two small blue cut-outs on front cover. Paper title label to spine. The blue and cream endpapers are from a linocut pattern made by Nicolette Scarpa. Begun in June of 2020 with printing completed in August 2023. The papers were supplied by John Purcell Paper of Stockwell in London, and inks by Hawthorn of Murton near York. Housed in a slipcase using the same yellow paper as the covers. In fine condition. Measures 7.25 x 10.25 inches. PRI/012024.