An impression made in letterpress

While this is a little bit of a departure from the articles you’ll typically read here, we thought it was a story worth passing along. Back in April of 2006, Charles Johnson, a national book award winner, screenplay writer, journalist, novelist, and professor at the University of Washington, gave the keynote address to the U.W. Friends of the Library’s first Literary Voices 2006 dinner.

His words, in praise of the power of the written word and the vital role of libraries, made an impression on us, so we made one back. The School of Visual Concepts’ Fall 2006 Letterpress Masters Class lovingly printed Professor Johnson’s speech and created a hand-bound, letterpress chap book to preserve and further spread his good words.

Why letterpress? Certainly its historic, timeless qualities are a perfect fit for Johnson’s reminiscences of visiting ancient libraries and examining priceless manuscripts. The greater reason, though, has to do with authenticity. There’s something about running your fingers over the printed word and not just feeling the power of the words, but their literal physical impression. What could be a better match for Professor Johnson’s praise for the experience of the book.

Johnson quoted a broadside written in 1981 by John Gardner. “A finely printed book is not just an ordinary book done up. It’s the full experience a book ought to be…Good bindings and print are not like mundane types of kinds of conspicuous consumption. Each fine book is a treasure in itself; a ritual acknowledgement of the magic involved and the visionary trip. The feel of it in the hands, the smell of the print, and the paper make the ceremonial preparation…It can be done without, as fine wine can do without a fine wine glass. But no one should do without it, if he or she can help.”

(above) Charles Johnson signing letterpress broadsides that accompany the chap book of his keynote address at the University of Washington Friends of the Library. The broadside and book were designed, printed, and handbound by Master Class students at the School of Visual Concepts. Photo credit: Matthew Fordham