The Oresteian Trilogy
Greenbrae, CA: The Allen Press, 1982-1983. Hardcover. One of 140 copies. Volume I is the text for Agamemnon. Volume II comprises The Libation Bearers and The Furies (The Choephori andThe Eumenides. The Allen Press, also referred to as the L-D Allen Press, was a private press founded in 1939 by the husband and wife team, Lewis and Dorothy Allen and was based in the San Francisco Bay area. By 1980 they had completed 46 fine letterpress books. These two companion volumes were their forty-eighth and forty-ninth completed books. The Allens were particularly fascinated by books produced by Aldus Manutius, William Morris, John Henry Nash, and the Grabhorns (to name a few). These noted presses served as an inspiration for Lewis and Dorothy's work as full-time hand-press printers. The Allen Press performed all facets of bookmaking: selection of text, typography, choice of materials and colors, hand-set types hand-printed on handmade paper, illumination, occasionally illustrations, binding, and marketing. In the selection of text, the Allens favored readability, depth of thought, and imaginative qualities. This handsome set exemplfies the fine work offered by the press. In the prospectus for The Oresteian Trilogy, they write they were told that their two volumes were the only deluxe edition in English, and that they believed it to be one of their most significant productions. Both volumes are bound in a flame colored fabric imported from Paris, with the titling in black to the covers and spines. Set in Unciala and Solemnis types and printed on all-rag paper handmade in France especially for the press at the Richard de Bas mill. The text is in black-brown ink, with flame color ink for display lines, and 23 carat gold illumination on the title pages. Housed in a a brown cloth covered slipcase. Accompanied by their prospectuses. In fine condition. Measures 7 x 10 incles. Unpaginated [each volume is 148 pages. PRI/032524. Fine. More