Book Design by John Fass: Pencil Sketches and Layouts

 

1925: Christmas Eve by Washington Irving:

 

 

Above: Christmas Eve layout by John Fass, with galley proofs

In 1928 John printed 400 copies of Christmas Eve, a 23-page booklet written by Washington Irving. He created that project for Harmon & Irwin, Inc., bookbinders in Manhattan. 

Harmon and Irwin bound these booklets to present to their clients and friends at the holidays, with the inscription "This little volume is sent to you by Harmon & Irwin, with their best wishes for a Happy New Year."  The colophon stated "Four hundred copies printed at The Harbor Press."

I assume John used his 1925 Christmas Eve layouts for that 1928 publication.  I won't know for certain though, unless I visit one the six libraries that owns that rather elusive 1928 publication.

 

 1925: The Art of Book-Design:

 Above: Pencil sketches on tissue

John Fass' 1925 The Art of Book-Making is a major mystery to me, because I can't locate any other references to this edition.  John Fass' papers include these pencil sketches and page proofs for this 1925 work, which was the same year he left the Rudge shop to started his Harbor Press. 

This title, however, is not included in the Harbor Press bibliography.  And I can't find any mention elsewhere of the book being printed while John was with Rudge.  Mysteries abound.

 

John's Harbor Press: At the Sign of the Seahorse:

 

Above:  John's pencil sketch on tissue

The pressmark of the Harbor Press was a seahorse, in various shapes and formats.  John owned this press from 1925 until 1939, with Roland and Elizabeth Wood.

1925: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner:
 

 

More Title Page Sketches by John Fass: