County Survey [Jan Sobota, binder] Ladislav Hanka ~ Kalamazoo ~ Fine Book Arts ~ Text by James Armstrong and Ben Mitchell

Title: County Survey [Jan Sobota, binder]

Author: Texts by James Armstrong and Ben Mitchell /
Illustrator: Etchings by Ladislav R. Hanka / Typography by Amy Bollinger

Description: No. 30 of 38 copies, signed by the artist/publisher Ladislav Hanka. In a multi-textured binding by Jan Sobota (stamp-signed on rear doublure), covers of sueded calfskin printed with original etchings, flat spine of brown catfish leather, turn-ins and headbands covered in eel skin, beige pigskin doublures covered with original etchings, leather hinges. In an encapsulated pigskin slipcase covered with etchings, beige linen pull-off spine with brown morocco label. With 16 etchings of flora and fauna by Ladislav Hanka. 333 x 248 mm. (13 1/8 x 9 3/4''). A fine copy.

This is a handsomely-produced book arts collaboration celebrating the natural beauty of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, featuring a memorable binding by Czech master binder Jan Sobota. After studying with Karel Silinger in Pilsen and at the School for Applied Arts in Prague and then working in Switzerland, Sobota came to the United States where he spent 15 years, mostly working at Southern Methodist University. He returned to Loket, Czech Republic, in 1997, where he founded the Sobota family bookbinding studio and helped to organize the Society of Czech Bookbinders, becoming its first president. He has won numerous awareds for his innovative and often whimsical work, which has been exhibited worldwide. The present volume is equal parts inventiveness and elegance. Book artist and publisher Ladislav Hanka (b. 1952) earned degrees in biology and zoology before receiving his MFA in printmaking, and his background in the natural sciences obviously infuses his art, which focuses on the flora and fauna of forest and lakes. This volume's collection of prose and poetry inspired by the natural landscape is enhanced by Hanka's dramatic etchings of twisted, bare-limbed trees, fossils, and insects. The letterpress work was done by Amy Bollinger on heavy handmade paper.

Binding: Fine Leather Binding
Condition: Fine
Slipcase Condition: Fine

Publisher: Rarach Press
Place: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Year: 1989

Keywords: Jan Sobota, Kalamazoo, fine binding,