The Work of the Hammer Creek Press, 1950-1956
New York: Hammer Creek Press, 1956. Original Wrappers. Near Fine binding. Item #9700
12mo. [24], [4 (blank)]1 pp., illus. Limited edition to approximately 100 copies. As issued, in marbled paper wrappers of stiff covers with printed paper title label on the front cover. Quite a nice copy with little in the way of shelf-rubbing to the cover; Reynolds Stone-designed bookplate of noted collector Norman Sondheim inside the front cover.
Short introduction by Fass about the history and aim of the press. Includes 43 described books, announcements, and ephemera from the press. As this present work is the 43rd item in Fass's list and only 35th in Cohen's checklist, there are apparently inclusions here not noted in Cohen. Several examples of pressmarks by DePol, Angelo, and Carnes. Two by Valenti Angelo are done in multiple colors with gilding.
The Hammer Creek Press began when in 1950 when Fass purchased from Valenti Angelo a small Hughes & Kimber cast iron press previously owned by Bruce Rogers who had sold it to Angelo the year before. It was on this press of significant provenance that the bulk of the Hammer Creek Press editions were printed, including this present book. Opening this work is an engraving by John DePol of the storied press with a page of "Data" by Fass. One of the mores substantial works issued by the Press as well as one of the more uncommon titles despite the larger-than-usual limitation. As more than 30 institutions are reporting ownership according to OCLC, it means this is increasingly rare in commerce. A lovely example of Fass's work. Cohen 35.
Price: $850.00