The Phoenix [De Ave Phoenice]

Bath: The Old School Press, 1995. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Near fine. Allen, Peter. One of 150 copies, octavo size, [37] pp. A stunning re-telling of the legend of the Phoenix, "one of the great myths of mankind with all it tells us of our many deaths and re-births" (n.b., from translator's note on p. [13]).

Published by The Old School Press, known for publishing texts "in limited editions with specially commissioned illustrations. We use traditional letterpress printing techniques - metal type and fine papers - and our books are hand-bound to our designs" (n.b., from the web site of the Press).

A lovely work, printed from blocks made from original calligraphy, and with pochoir hand-stencilled illustrations by Peter Allen who "studied printmaking and book arts in the UK...[his] images are made up of lots of observed details, imagination and humour. Their strong, graphic character is inspired by folk art, picture books, postage stamps and indie video games" (n.b., from the web site of the artist).

Originally titled the "De Ave Phoenice", the poem was written by the Latin poet Lactantius (circa 244-320 C.E.) which was a re-expression in Christian form of ancient mythologies, "in a form that would be palatable to Roman pagans" (n.b., from the Introduction).

___DESCRIPTION: Bound in full black cloth over boards, paper spine label with black letering, black endpapers, text written by a hand based on a mid fifth-century Italian manuscript and printed from the original blocks, with five three-color illustrations done in pochoir; introductory essay printed in 12pt Monotype Perpetua italic, supporting material in foundry Perpetua italic, on Zerkall mould-made paper, slightly oblong large octavo size (9 5/8" wide by 8 3/4" tall), [37] pp., this no. 12 of 150 copies.

___CONDITION: Near fine, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; a very small bow to the front board, else fine. Note that this volume lacking the slipcase.

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