Matrix, Numbers 1-30 (continuous) [with] Index to Matrix 1-21 [and with] Type & Typography.. by Randle, John and Rosalind (Editors); Butcher, David (Index) - 2011

Andoversford, Gloucestershire; Risbury, Herefordshire: The Whittington Press, 2011. First Edition; De luxe Edition. Leather; Stiff Wrappers. Near Fine. 32 vols. total, Matrix 1-30 continuous, first edition, 1-20 regular editions with limitation ranging between 320 and 850, 21-30 de luxe edition with limitation ranging between 30 and 80, quarto size, Type & Typography... is signed by John and Rosalind Randle. The original concept for Matrix was prompted by a desire to see two typescripts in print, a commentary by Paul Morgan on the diary of a pressman at the Shakespeare Head Press, and "Brocard Sewell's essay on the wood-engraver Edward Walters." It was decided to make a single publication of them all, and around this time the press bought its first Monotype keyboard and caster, and thus began the evolution of the publication into an annual that enjoyed over 30 years in print and is considered the finest publication on the book arts. "When Matrix entered its fourth decade in 2011 it contained some ‘7000 pages, 800 articles, and innumerable broadsides, tip-ins and colour plates'.

It is this third-dimensionality that gives Matrix, almost certainly the last typographic journal to be printed by letterpress from metal type, its unique flavour. The early issues were inevitably much concerned with Albions, founders' type, wood letter [type], dampened paper, and the rest of what Will Carter once referred to as 'medieval clutter'. There is nothing wrong with medieval clutter, as long as the train of thought leads on elsewhere, even to disciplines other than printing, and reading through the topics covered by David Butcher's exhaustive index it does seem that Matrix has slowly but surely spread its wings and ventured into areas that are not strictly speaking concerned with printing. David has woven various subject headings into the index, and looking down the list we find abstract expressionism, algebraic notation, architecture and typography, ballet, blacksmiths, Buddhism, canals, Futurism, Alcoholics Anonymous, genealogy and gunpowder. So there is plenty for the non-printer in Matrix, and perhaps this helps to explain why its circulation has stayed so remarkably consistent over nearly a quarter of a century, and why copies are read and referred to rather than languishing on the shelf, as such periodicals are prone to do." (N.B., quote from Index to Matrix 1-21, "Foreword.")

___DESCRIPTION: Thirty-two volumes being offered which include the first thirty numbers of the Matrix (lacking the final few volumes published), along with the Index to Matrix 1-21, and a companion volume entitled "Type and Typography"; Numbers 1-20 bound in stiff wrappers each of a different color paper; Numbers 21-30, the Index, and "Type & Typography" are the de luxe versions bound in half-Oasis leather and marbled paper, with colored endpapers, cloth slip-cases, and a portfolio of additional material. Both versions are illustrated profusely, and often printed in multiple colors, illustrations and supplemental materials are often inlaid, slipped-in, or fold-out, deluxe editions are printed on mould-made and hand-made papers, regular editions on laid paper, types include Monotype Caslon, Gaudy Moder, Centaur, Cochin, Blado, Romulus, Regulus, Lutetia, Scotch Roman et al.; quarto size (11.25" by 7.75"), "Type & Typography..." is signed by John and Rosalind Randle.

___CONDITION: All deluxe editions are in fine/like new condition with fine cases, the regular editions are all internally bright with all supplemental material complete, and except for the slight wear at the edges of the wrappers, they are all near fine with no previous owner marks, stains &c. &c. Overall a beautiful continuous run, including the scarce first number in its first printing, a dizzying kaleidoscope of modern letterpress printing and book arts at its finest.

___POSTAGE: International customers please note that due to the combined size and weight of this set additional postage may apply; please inquire for details.

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