Porcupine’s Quill Spring Selection
Have just recently read a number of books from the Porcupine’s Quill spring catalogue, I was very impressed with what they’ve had to offer so far in 2010. The reprinting of James Reaney’s Suit of Nettles, with wonderful accompanying wood engravings by Jim Westergard, was a nice touch after offering up a great selection of Reaney’s work as part of the Essential Poets Series last fall.
Joyce Wieland’s Writings and Drawings provided an eclectic mixture of drawings, journal entries, poetry and other writings that span nearly two decades. This book was admittedly a fun and interesting introduction to a rather quirky artist/writer with whom I was not previously familiar.
This spring also brought the 3rd installment of PQ’s Graphic Novel Series, Megan Speers’ Wanderlust. A wordless novel in the tradition on Lynd Ward, Frans Masereel, & co., Wanderlust follows a teenage girl’s punk life-style through the summer days of booze, bands, boys and the occasional bit of dumpster diving. A well laid out visual tale leaving the reader with a number of memorable engravings of anarchy and bliss.
Finally, I also greatly enjoyed the Spring/Summer issue of the Devil’s Artisan which was dedication to Jim Rimmer who sadly passed away earlier this year. The issue contains an excellent series of essays on Rimmer’s amazing career and the impact he had on his fellow printers, not to mention Canadian type and book design in general. The issue also contains an extensive checklist of his books (both authored and personally printed) as well as specimens of the many type faces he design over the years. A must have for fans of Rimmers work or those interested in Canadian type design.
With those titles now off the “to read” pile, I’m ready to see what the fall selection from the Porcupine’s Quill will bring.