Highlights in the History of Whaling
Rosemead, CA: Bookhaven Press, 1968. Number 381 of 500 copies. This lovely miniature book was the second book to be printed at Pall Bohne's Bookhaven Press. As he states in the colophon, Bohne was the author as well as the illustrator, typographer, printer, and binder. "Pall W. Bohne (1935-2017) was an eminent member of the Southern California fine press and book arts scene who was known particularly for his expertise in letter press printing. As the operator of Bookhaven Press in Rosemead, California from 1967-1992, Bohne produced numerous works of ephemera and printed pamphlets, including a few miniature books, including Highlights in the History of American Whaling and Jabberwocky, the Famous Mock Heroic Epic. Bohne demonstrated his skills as an artisan through wood-engraving and bookplate production, and purportedly held a wide range interests in other fields such as beekeeping and blacksmithing" (from UCLA library finding aid for their Bohne collection). This copy is said to be from the personal collection of Greg Dawson, proprietor of Dawson's Book Shop, which issued many miniature books beginning in 1949. However, there are no ownership markings. This charming production has a whale, ship and waves vignette on the title page, and woodcuts and ornaments throughout the text. There are illustrations by Bohne of whale species, whaling tools, and products made from whales such as scrimshaw and corsets.It includes a list of museums with whaling exhibitions and a bibliography, Bound in gray paper covers with black glossy paper spine with title in gilt. Printed in Bembo type. In fine condition. 45 pages. Measures 1 7/8 x 2 1/2 inches. MINIATURE/060623. More