The Norman W. Forgue Collection of Charles and Myrtle West

Chicago: At the Sign of the Gargoyle, The Black Cat Press, The Norman Press and Normandie House. . A collection accrued over decades consisting of material produced by, or in conjunction with At the Sign of the Gargoyle, The Black Cat Press, The Norman Press, and Normandie House by Norman W. Forgue, bookmaker, typographer and founder of the above private presses. The collection includes about 150 Black Cat miniatures in a little glass front bookcase ( also made by Norman), RARE dioramas made by Norman and his wife Madeline (5 total, under the label Nor-Mad)), about 90 larger Black Cat, Norman Press, Normandie House, and At the Sign of the Gargoyle books, 60 pieces of ephemera including correspondence, catalogues, price lists, and receipts, 125 pieces of ephemera including Christmas cards, pamphlets, and announcements for publications, a unique salesman’s plaque with examples of 10 printed pages, a Black Cat Press printers block, and a first proof with numerous corrections of "The Miniature World of Norman Forgue" by James Guthrie, inscribed by Forgue to the Wests.. In all over 430 items. Norman W. Forgue (1904-1983) began The Black Cat Press in 1932 to publish fine press keepsakes and booklets and it continued to release titles for decades to come. In 1937, he established Normandie House to manage the production of full-length books and in 1939 he started The Norman Press with Frederick Ryder. An important collection with several unique items including the miniature bookcase and the dioramas made by Norman and Madeline, the salesman's sample board undoubtedly also constructed by Norman, and the first proof. This collection will take 5-6 boxes to ship, extra shipping charges will be requested . SIGNED AND INSCRIBED. Limited and Numbered Signed 1st Editions. Various. Fine/Fine. Various.