This book was produced in an edition of nine, and was done for a confirmation class I led at Holy Angels Church in New Harmony, Indiana.  The Saint Name of every “confirmee” was on the cover, and no extra copies were made, except that I made one (the “practice” copy) for myself.

The text block is one accordion-folded sheet.  The first and last sections serve as paste downs on the boards, which are covered in blue or red buckram.  A single red cord in the middle rear of each board could be tied together to create a “spine,” but untying the cords allows the entire book to be unfolded.

The text is from a speech by Nelson Mandela.  Overall, this was a wonderful exercise in learning and practicing an italic hand in calligraphy.  I learned quickly to use blotter paper and remay as guards when gluing the paper to the boards, in order to prevent the bleeding of inks across folds, which can be seen in the practice copy shown here.

It’s good to make a practice copy when trying something for the first time -- I always learn something.