Frankenstein, in a fine designer binding from Andrew Brown
(Brown, Andrew – Bookbinder) Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus. By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Printed with an Introduction by Edmund Lester Pearson and Illustrations by Everett Henry. The Limited Editions Club. New York. 1934. 257p. 10.75” x 7”. Unique binding by Andrew Brown in 2008. Bound using sewn together pieces of sheep skin (the closest to the color of human flesh [he] could find) to replicate the Monster’s re-animated flesh. This material covers sculpted boards and makes up the majority of the covering material. Natural blemishes in the leather enhance the texture and overall horrific look to the piece, with a lot of puckering to create the impression of an unnatural complexion. The front cover has the classic mad professor’s piece of equipment – the electricity conductor which has onlaid rings of bronze leather. Emanating from this are bright flashes of blue and red tie-dyed goatskin leather continuing onto the back board. Electricity is attracted to metal plates, which are genuine facial reconstruction plates (obtained from a friend); these are screwed on various parts of the Monster with the silver tooling enhancing the effect. In front of the Tesla Coil is a face of abject fear which is surrounded by the blood of the innocent victims of the Monster’s wrath. The teeth of the Monster are made of shells and two small human ‘baby’ teeth. Edges and endbands are colored to give the impression of sinew and gristle; these match up with the leather doublures of red tie-dye goatskin leather. Flyleaves of ‘fatty’ yellow. The edges of the book are irregularly scalloped. Housed in a deep red tray and slipcase that is lined with reverse suede covered foam; black ribbon allows for ease of removal. Slipcase with title lettered in black on a piece of sewn together sheep and goatskin on the spine. Fine.
Brown writes: “The story of Frankenstein is one of the great tales of obsession and horror. With this in mind, I took on the role of the protagonist, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, and took to creating my own Monster in the form of this binding. I wanted to replicate the manic pursuit of creation that overtook the Doctor. In this I am happy I have unleashed a new terror into the world. “
Related items: Catalogue 37 - Summer 2009, Fine Designer Bindings, Andrew Brown, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley