Saturday, May 2, 2015

Michael Peven, Cradle of Civilization, Fayetteville: Primitive Press, 1993 [2nd edition, 2011]

This lively accordion has stood on my mantlepiece for a number of weeks now and it still holds its own after all this time. Essentially one long print folded at particular key spots, the different types of imagery and assorted texts work well in combination with the profusion of color to thoroughly discredit the idea and activity of war. One-sided with single pages 4.5" (w) x 8" (h), and with its 14 pages opened up its 5ft 3inches long.





Pictures of scenic spots in Tokyo, n/d


The title on the book's outer covering is "Pictures of scenic spots in Tokyo." 



Inside on the the cover of the accordion is "Eighteen favorite Kabuki pieces." The book is made up of 18 small screen printed images of Kabuki actors all representing roles in a famous set of 18 of the best kabuki plays (Kabuki Juhachiban). 








Turning to the back of the accordion a whole new story is revealed. From the dedication on the inside page of the book we can see that Nancy Frank, a bay area artist and organizer gifted this book to John Held Jr., in 2014. In 2015, John Held in turn dedicated it to me knowing of my passion for accordion publications! But John has added a new twist to the accordion as he's stamped all the empty backs of the pages with rubber stamp images from his archive, creating a cool rubber stamp panorama. Individual pages 3" (h) x 1.75" (w). At 20 pages when this book is unfolded it's 2" 11".