The Structure of the Book

Checkbook

Maureen Cummins. Checkbook. Brooklyn, NY: M. Cummins, 1996.

Julie Chen. Bon Bon mots: a fine assortment of books. Berkeley, CA: Flying Fish Press, 1998.

Roni Gross. Womenmen menwomen. New York, NY: Center for Book Arts, 1997.

Susan Elizabeth King. Women and cars. Rosendale, NY: Women’s Studio Workshop; Los Angeles, CA: Paradise Press, 1983.

Pierre Mourgues. Les mots de Le Corbusier. [Le Jas du Revest Saint Martin, Basses-Alpes,] R. Morel, [1967].

JoAnna Poehlmann. Cancelling out (from the stamp collection): a compilation of last words and grave observations. [United States]: J. Poehlmann, 1988.

Barbara Tetenbaum. The sermon on the practice of loving-kindness: a translation by Jonathan Walters of the “Karaniyamettasutta.” Walla Walla: Whitman College Book Arts Press, 1995.

Each of these books represents a departure from or reinvigoration of traditional book forms. The palm leaf structure Barbara Tetenbaum used for The sermon on the practice is unfamiliar to a western audience but is a traditional Hindu binding method.

Bon bon mots, by Julie Chen, is a candy box-like presentation of small books and book objects. The format, though surprising, is immediately understood by the reader who wants to pick up and handle the books as soon as the box is opened.

Checkbook and Les mots de Le Corbusier, by Maureen Cummins and Pierre Mourgues, respectively, each have unexpected formats. Checkbooks and film cans are both utilitarian objects of known use; here their meaning is transformed by their contents.

Cancelling out and Womenmen menwomen have notable exteriors. JoAnna Poehlmann has constructed a coffin-like box to hold her miniature book, making a visual pun with the title. Roni Gross, in a traditionally bound book, has used an unusual and rich textile in place of standard book cloth.

Women and cars has what is known as a flag book structure that was developed by the artist and conservator Hedi Kyle. With its opposed pages this binding is ideal for Susan King’s multi-layered writings.