The Charlotte M. Smith Collection of Miniature Books
Return to: 20th Century U. S. Imprints in the Smith Collection
The portion of this website in front of you brings together in preliminary fashion a variety of lists and descriptions for United States Miniature Books published during the Twentieth Century. The books have then been organized by press or publisher as described in Robert C. Bradbury's Twentieth Century United States Miniature Books (No. Clarendon, Vermont: The Microbibliophile, 2000). This page describes titles held by the University of Iowa Libraries for the press or publisher described below. The descriptions generally follow Bradbury's format: Author. Title. Imprint (if it varies from the heading), date. Size in inches. Number of pages. Brief physical description. Illustrations note. Copy # of [##] copies.
Black Cat Press
Chicago and Skokie, IL
1930-1985?
Guttenberg: To Printers Throughout the World. Chicago, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1937. 4 pp. 2 11/16 x 2.
Two copies of 500 copies. B20th 1/1277.
Averill, John. Judge Not a Book By Its Cover. Chicago: Black Cat
Press, 1938. 58 pp. 2 7/8" x 2 3/16".
Colophon: Signed Norman W. Forgue, 2-5-84. 26 proverbs illustrated in
the spirit of fun by John Averill. Norman says that this is one of 39
copies he has just located. Printed entirely in black on a smooth
ivory paper, bound in red linen cloth with front cover design and
spine stamped in black. Enclosed in a two color dust jacket. B20th
2/240.
Forgue, Norman W. One Hundred Proverbs Adapted from the Japanese.
Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1960. 28 pp. 2 7/8" x 2".
Colophon: The typefaces used in this book are Foundry Bulmer, Legend
and Linotype Benedictine in the six point size, leaded one point. The
colored rules were printed in two separate impressions and the black
pages in four page forms. Printed direct from the type on specialy
made sixty pound Keith Krestweave paper, french-fold. This limited
edition has been bound in part with cloth back and paper sides and
some copies in full leather by Monastery Hill Bindery. Design and
Typography N.W.F.
31 pages including frontispiece, title, and one blank page.
Frontispiece showing Mt. Fujiyama, in black, red, and white. Colored
rules in printed and in 2 separate impressions. 150 copies in full
red leather, 50 red leather with backing of imported Japanese paper
sides, and 17 sets bound by Bela Blau, 1975, in deep maroon leather.
B20th 4/1112.
Schwarzwald, Eugenie. The Homecoming of a Lost Book. Chicago:
Black Cat Press, 1961. 2 ½" x 1 _".
Colophon: The making of a miniature book is an adventure, as well as
a test of one's skill and patience, for many problems are encountered
due to the limitation of size. First the text is decided upon. Then
comes the search through type founder's books for suitable type faces
and related ornaments. Paper must be thought of, as well as the
binding and stamping, and perhaps most important is the vigilance
necessary during every step of production. So much for the theory,
now to the practice. More than twenty years ago the text was
translated for me. The illustrations have been in the files for
nearly as long and were drawn by Calvin Brazelton. The text type and
all display are composed in one type face family, Modern Roman, in
sizes ranging from four to nine point. Paper is Berestoke, hand made
in England- purchased February, 1935....and exactly the number of
sheets needed to print this limited edition direct from the hand-set
type. Bound for the most part, in imported paper over boards and a
few copies in full leather, by Monastery Hill Bindery, Chicago,
Illinois. Design and Typography: N.W.F.
Two shades of blue paper binding. B20th 5/2643.
Bible. Old Testament. The Song of Songs, Which is Solomon's.
Chicago: Black Cat Press, 1961. 33 pp. 2 ½" x 2".
Colophon: The text of this miniature book has been composed in
Monotype Modern Roman condensed in combination with Caslon. Printed
from type in a limited edition on cold pressed Worthy Hand And Arrows
paper, french-fold. Bound by the Monastery Hill Bindery, Chicago
Illinois. Design and Typography by Norman W. Forgue. Chicago White
leather binding, gold stamped. 250 copies. Cover decoration by Ernest
Spuehler. 18 sets original sheets bound by Bela Blau, 1975. B20th
6/406.
Davis, Frank Marshall. Black Man's Verse. Chicago, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1961. 51 pp. 2 5/8" x 2 3/8".
Colophon: The typefaces used in this miniature book are Linotype
Caedonia, Bodoni Bold and Foundry Ultra Bodoni. A limited edition has
been printed, direct from the type on Berestoke handmade paper
imported from England. Bound by Monastery Hill Bindery. Completed
during February 1961. Design and Typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Signed.
French fold. Red, gray and black ink. Title page and illustrations by
Joseph Taurwein. 300 copies. This is one of 21 sets bound by Bela
Blau in 1975. B20th 7/862.
Le Gallienne, Richard. Two Essays. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1961. 36 pp. 3" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: The type used for the text of this miniature is Caslon 337
E in the seven point size, leaded one point. Foundry Caslon and its
companion italic have also been used. The title line is sixteen point
Libra. 300 copies have been printed direct from type on Alexandra
Japan plate paper. Bound by Elizabeth Kner at Chicago, Illinois
during the month of June 1961. Design and Typography by Norman W.
Forgue.
Taken from Prose Fantasies. Gold printed title on front and spine.
Printed in two colors. B20th 8/1764.
J.B.H., Jr. A Christmas Story. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1961.
28 pp. 2" x 1 ½".
Colophon: A limited edition printed for friends at Christmas direct
from type on handmade paper. Fifty copies for sale. Typography by
N.W.F. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Modern type Modern Roman. 300 copies. Bound by Bela Blau in green
full grain leather with title stamped in gold on the spine.
Decorative end papers. B20th 9/1593.
Sandburg, Carl. Address Upon the Occasion of Abraham Lincoln's One Hundredth Inaugural Anniversary. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1961.
33 pp. 2 11/16" x 1 7/8".
Colophon: Type for this tiny volume was composed on the monotype in
the Bulmer series, then entirely re-run by hand. A limited edition
was printed direct from the type on Strathmore Pastelle, smooth
finish paper. Sheets were folded and bound entirely by hand during
November 1961. Design and Typography Norman W. Forgue. Signed.
Upon the Occasion of Abraham Lincoln's One Hundredth Inaugural
Anniversary. With an introduction by Carl Haverlin. Bound in gray
with gold stamping. 300 copies. 19 copies bound by Bela Blau, of
which this is one. B20th 10/2620.
Blumenthal, Walter Hart. Book Gluttons and Book Gourmets. Chicago,
IL: Black Cat Press, 1962. 84 pp. 2 11/16" x 2 1/16".
Colophon: The text of this miniature is composed in Monotype
Baskerville and foundry Bulmer. A limited edition has been printed
direct from type on Alexandra plate finish paper by the Black Cat
Press. Had bound. Design and Typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Initialed N.W.F.
Bound in full green leather gold stamped. Pressmark by Paul
Hazelrigg, 15 sets. Bound as original by Bela Blau, 1975. Design,
composition and page make-up, printing and folding completed in 6
days. B20th 11/450.
Whitman, Walt. Death of Abraham Lincoln. Chicago, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1962. 53 pp. 2 7/8" x 2".
Colophon: Text is composed in Monotype Bodoni, combined with various
sizes of Engravers Roman. Printed in a limited edition on Strathmore
Alexandra Japan paper direct from the type. Illustrations by Ralph
Frederick were reproduced on copper from original drawings. Designed
by E. Willis Jones. Typography and production by Norman Forgue.
Signed Forgue.
Contains a note by Paul M. Angle. 80 pages. Bound in full black
leather. Stamped in gold. One of 19 sets bound by Bela Blau. B20th
12/3250.
Eisenschiml, Otto. The Civil War in Miniature Through Words of Participants. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1962. 32 pp. 2 7/16" x 2
1/16".
Colophon: Text composed in two versions of Monotype Modern Roman and
a limited edition printed direct from type on Mohawk Superfine appear
by letterpress. Design, typography and production by Norman W.
Forgue. Signed.
Printed in two colors on Dutch rag 0-content paper. 32 pages. French
Fold. bound in full dark blue leather, gold stamped. Marbled end
papers. 275 copies. Bound by Bela Blau. Cover and title page by Paul
Hazelrugg. B20th 13/1016.
Forgue, Norman W. (compiler). Miniature Broadsides. Chicago, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1962. 10 pp. 4" x 3 1/16".
Colophon: Inscribed: "To Charlotte Smith, a friend." 10 inserts of
various sizes; each composed in a different typeface, printed on
assorted paper, in two colors. Enclosed in a light blue wrapper,
printed in two colors. Authors: Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, Mark
Twain, Clarence Day, Dean Alfange, Henri-Frederick Amiel, Abraham
Lincoln, Emerson, Benjamin Franklin, James Allen, and Eusebius-4th
Century. Of the 400 sets, only 275 contained all 10 inserts. This is
missing the quotation by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, but contains two
by Abraham Lincoln. B20th 14/1111.
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1962. 48 pp. 2 1/2" x 1 7/8".
400 copies. B20th 15/69.
Twain, Mark. "1601". Chicago: Black Cat Press, 1962. 39 pp. 2 3/4"
x 1 7/8".
Colophon: Original composition hand-set in the Caslon fonts by Norman
W. Forgue, who is also responsible for the design. Plates, offset
printing and binding by Joh. Enshede en Zonen, Haarlem, Holland.
Frontispiece an title page decoration engraved on wood by Ben Albert
Benson.
Bound in red leather. Gold stamped. 400 copies printed, only 100
copies bound. B20th 16/2947.
Averill, John. Judge Not a Book by Its Cover. Chicago, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1962. 60 pp. 1 3/8" x 1 1/8".
Colophon: 400 copies produced by Joh Enscede at Haarlem, Holland,
from the original composition and design by Norman W Forgue.
Bound in mustard yellow leather with a figure of a man and a horse on
the cover. B20th 17/241.
Maughm, W. Somerset. My South Sea Island. Chicago, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1964. 32 pp. 2" x 1 5/8".
Letterpress, gilt green leather. 199 copies. B20th 18/2019.
Considine, J. Francis. The Dude Retires. Chicago, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1964. 64 pp. 2 1/4" x 1 9/16".
Colophon: The type for this miniature has been composed on the
monotype in two sizes of Modern Roman. Printed direct from the type
on Strathmore Pastelle paper at the Norman Press by Charles Young.
Bound by Bela Blau. Design & Typography by N.W.F. Signed by
Norman Forgue.
Contains a foreword by Norman W. Forgue and illustrations by Dale
Nichols. Monotype Roman in 4-1/2 pt and 6 pt. Printed direct from the
type on rag paper with four illustrations and other decorations in
two colors. Bound in rust brown leather with title gold-stamped on
the spine and front cover. Decorative end sheets. 195 copies. B20th
19/754.
Forgue, Norman. A Christmas Parable. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1964. 32 pp. 2" x 1 9/16".
Colophon: An edition of two hundred copies has been printed direct
from Linotype Modern on Superfine paper by Charles Young at the
Norman Press, Chicago. Bound by Bela Blau. Design and typography by
N.W.F. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Bound in full red leather with decorative end papers and French-fold
text. Front cover and spine stamped in gold decorations by Gerald
Whalen, November 1964. B20th 20/1109.
Sacher-Masock, L. Von. The Bookbinder of Hort. Chicago, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1965. 55 pp. 2 5/16" x 1 11/16".
200 copies. B20th 21/2604.
Focken, Hayno. Books Interchanged. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1965. 48 pp. 2 5/16" x 1 3/4".
200 copies. B20th 22/1096.
Zobeltitz, Fedor Von. The Elzevir. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1965. 47 pp. 2 5/16" x 1 3/4".
Colophon: Designed by Norman W. Forgue and printed in a very limited
edition at the Norman Press direct from monotype Roman bound by Bela
Blau.
All volumes contained in marbled paper protective box. Found in
different colors of leather, but all lettering stamped in gold. B20th
23/3339.
White, Robert W. History of the Cadiz Shortline Railway. Chicago,
IL: Black Cat Press, 1966. 76 pp. 3" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Red leather with additional text by Norman Forgue.
Linotype, Times Roman 6 point on 8 point body Commercial Script and
Jim Crow for headings. Illustration by lithography. Bound in full
leather by Bela Blau with metal locomotive engine on cover. #49 of
500 copies. B20th 24/3247.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). A Testament of Freedom - Ideas Worth Fighting For. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1966. 43 pp. 2 1/2" x 2
5/8".
Colophon: The type for this little volume was composed in Monotype
Caslon. Printed in a limited edition on Superfine paper by Charles
Young at The Norman Press. Bound by hand by Bela Blau. Design and
typography by N.W.F.
Design on front cover and title on spine stamped in gold. 200 copies
bound in full red leather, of which this is one. 1500 copies were
also bound in red paper wrappers. French-fold papers with decorative
end papers. B20th 25/1113.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). Where Our Christmas Customs Come From. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1966. 1 1/4" x 1 1/16".
Colophon: Design and typography by N.W.F. (Norman W. Forgue). Bound
in green leather with gilt stamping. 200 copies. Gold patterned end
papers. B20th 26/1118.
Lincoln, Abraham. Maxims, Observations and Comments of Abraham Lincoln. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1967. 62 pp. 2 1/2" x 1
3/4".
Colophon: Composed in Modern Roman on the Linotype. Printed direct
from type by Charles Young at The Norman Press. Bound in the Studio
of Bela Blau. Design and Typography N.W.F.
250 copies. Full red brown leather. B20th 27/1848. Removed from Bollinger Collection to become E457.99L52 Smith.
Bible. Old Testament. Three Psalms. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1967. 28 pp. 1 1/4" x 1 .
Colophon: Design and typography by N.W.F.
Contains the eighth, forty-sixth, and one-hundredth psalms. Bound in
black leather with title gilt stamped on the front cover in an
edition of 200 copies. Printed on paper made especially for this
book. B20th 28/412.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). How a Person May Know Under Which of the Twelve Signs They are Born. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1967.
46 pp. 1 1/4" x 1".
Colophon: Printed direct from type by Charles Young at the Norman
Press, Chicago. Bound by Bela Blau. Designed by Norman W. Forgue.
Reprinted from the Book of Knowledge, Dunham and True, Glasgow and
Hanover, 1796.
Bound in orange leather with title gold-stamped on the front cover.
Orange end papers. 200 copies. B20th 29/1110.
Roosevelt, Franklin D. F.D.R. Gettysburg Speech. Chicago, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1967. 32 pp. 1 ¼" x 1 1/16".
Colophon: Designed by Norman W. Forgue and printed direct from type
by Charles Young at the Norman Press, Chicago. Bound in the studio of
Bela Blau.
Bound in blue leather with gold stamping. Marbled end papers. From
the speech delivered May 30, 1934. 200 copies. B20th 30/2586.
Taft, Charles Sabin. Abraham Lincoln's Last Hours. Chicago, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1968. 28 pp. 2 9/16" x 2 1/16".
Colophon: Composed in Bodoni Book and Ultra Bodoni types. Printed in
a limited edition direct from type by Charles Young on Hamilton
Opaque paper at The Norman Press. Bound by hand in the studio of Bela
Blau. Design and Typography by Norman W. Forgue. Signed Forgue.
Bound in maroon leather with gold design on front and gold title on
spine. B20th 31/2846.
Shakespeare, William. Let Shakespeare Speak. Chicago, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1968. 32 pp. 2 5/8" x 2 3/8".
Colophon: Composed on the Linotype, using Modern Roman and Garamond
Bold. Printed in a limited edition on superfine paper by Charles
Young at the Norman Press. Bound by hand by Bela Blau. Design, and
Typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Black leather with gold stamping. 32 French fold pages. 225 copies.
17 sets bound by Bela Blau in 1975. B20th 322686.
Nichols, Dale. Let There Be Light. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1969. 64 pp. 2 5/8" x 2 3/8".
Colophon: Designed by Norman W. Forgue and printed in a very limited
edition by Charles Young at the Norman Press, Chicago direct from
Linotype Caledonia. Signed Norman W. Forgue.
Green-blue and black on Strathmore text. 250 copies. Full light blue
leather, round back. Marbled end sheets. Spine and front stamped
gold. 13 original sheets bound in dark blue leather with a square
back by Bela Blau in 1975. This is the earlier edition. B20th
33/2248.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). What's a Flag? Chicago, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1966. 26 pp. 1 ¼" x 1 1/16.
Colophon: Printed direct from type by Charles Young at the
Norman Press, Chicago. Bound by Bela Blau. Designed by Norman W.
Forgue.
An Editorial from the New York Times, June 14, 1941. Bound in
white leather with gold stamping. Orange and gold end papers. 200
copies. B20th 34/1117.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). The Ancient Wheel of Fortune.
Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1968. 32 pp. 1 1/4" x 1 1/16".
Colophon: Printed direct from type by Charles Young at the Norman
Press, Chicago. Bound by Bela Blau. Designed by Norman W. Forgue.
Set in Monotype Modern Roman. Printed in green and black on paper
made especially for this book. 200 copies. Bound in full green
leather with title gold-stamped on the front cover. Marbled end
papers. B20th 35/1115.
Shaw, John Bennett. (Compiler). The Whole Art of Detection by Sherlock Holmes. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1968. 58 pp. 2 5/8" x
2".
Colophon: The text of this miniature is composed in Monotype
Roman and foundry Bulmer. A limited edition has been printed direct
from type by Charles Young on Superfine text paper. Bound by hand in
the studio of Bela Blau. Design and typography by Norman W.
Forgue
Monotype Roam, Foundry Bulmer and Goudy text. Apple green, chrome
yellow and black on Mohawk Superfine. 300 copies, signed by Norman
Forgue. Full dark green leather, decorative end sheets. Spine and
front gold-stamped, with metal head of Holmes on front. Line
decoration by Dale Nichols. Metal head sculpted by Tom Sibbett.
Castin and mold by R. and R. Miniatures. First distributed at a
dinner sponsored by Holmes enthusiasts in Chicago. B20th 36.
Bewick, Thomas. Vignettes from Birds, Quadripeds and Fables.
Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press, 1971. 48 pp., 2 5/8" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: The typeface used herein was composed on the linotype in
Caledonia. Type pages, after makeup, were printed on Troya paper in
an edition of 200 copies by Charles Young at the Norman Press,
Chicago. R. Hunter Middleton printed the fifteen bewick blocks by
hand at his Cherryburn Press, and collaborated with Norman W. Forgue
in the production. Hand binding executed by Monastery Hill under the
supervision of Irma Garski. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Index by R. Hunter Middleton. Bound in full bright red leather with
marbled end papers and gold stamped on the spine and the front cover.
Illustrations printed from original wood blocks. The original blocks
used for this book were sold by lottery to subscribers in a one block
limit. This is probably the only miniature book partly printed by
hand and partly printed by a modern automatic press. Misbound because
introduction is out of order. B20th 37/347.
Voltaire, Francois M. A. Epirgrams. Chicago, IL: Black Cat Press,
1975. 44 pp. 2 5/8' x 2".
249 copies. B20th 38/3008.
Starrett, Vincent. Oriental Encounters. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press 1975. 45 pp. 3" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Typeface used in this mini volume are Linotype Medieval and
Ludlow Eusebius... Script and Chinese characters hand-lettered by
Douglas Rader... Printed on Japanese Linen in a limited edition by
offset lithography at Schori Press. Plate work by Willem Muns and
presswork by Larry DeVera... Bound by National Library Bindery under
the supervision of Ralph D. Schnabel... Production by Ward Schori...
Design and typography by Norman W. Forgue. Signed Forgue.
French fold. Chinese red and black on all-rag bond. Full black
imitation leather, orange end sheets, spine and front stamped gold.
The first printing as stated on colophon was on Japanese linen paper,
purchased at a bargain price in WW II., when anything Japanese was
taboo, and to be saved for just the right moment. The title of the
book suggested that the right moment had arrived. Unfortunately the
press work was not up to standard, and the sheets were rejected,
making it necessary to be reprinted, this time on 100% rag bond.
B20th 39/2803.
Templeton, Richard H. Jr. The Quick Brown Fox. Skokie, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1975. 46 pp. 2 5/8" x 1 3/4".
Colophon: Two hundred and forty-nine copies of this book have
been printed on rag content paper at the Schori Press by Larry De
Vera. Color separations and the stripping of press plates by Willem
Muns...Typeface is Baskerville, Linotype combined with Monotype...Bob
Middleton whose capable hands engraved the tiny decorations on metal
is also responsible for the calligraphic lettering...Bound in
California studio of Bela Blau. Design & typography by Norman W.
Forgue.
A chap book compiled and arranged by Richard H. Templeton, Jr.
Introduction by R. Hunter Middleton, and end sheet engraved by Philip
Reed. Bound in brown leather with gold stamping. B20th 40/2860.
Forgue, Norman W. (Compiler). Testaments of Faith. Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1976. 30 pp. 1 1/4" x 1 1/16".
Colophon: Designed by Norman W. Forgue and printed direct from type
by Maynard Johnson. Bound by Bela Blau.
Issued in a set with In a Far-Off World. Issued in the bicentennial
year, 1776-1976. Red end papers. Bound in maroon leather with
gold-stamping on the front cover. Contains General Mac Arthur's
Credo, The American's Creed by William Tyler Page (adopted by the
House of Representatives April 3, 1928), My Creed by Dean Alfance,
and Creed of our Forefather's. 249 copies. B20th 41/1114.
Schreiner, Olive. In a Far-Off World. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1976. 28 pp. 1 1/4" x 1 1/16".
Colophon: Designed by Norman W. Forgue and printed direct from type
by Maynard Johnson. Bound by Bela Blau.
Bound in green leather with gold stamping. 249 copies. B20th
42/2639.
Lucretius on Life and Death. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1976. 51
pp. 2 13/16" x 2".
Colophon: The typefaces used for the text of this miniature
book are Ludlow Eden and Tempo Light, both designed by R. Hunter
Middleton...Set entirely by hand from individual matrices by Norman
W. Forgue and then slug-cast...Pages were made-up, proof-read and
etch proofs pulled of each page from original type...The next step
was the selection of a permanent base film to prevent shrinkage, then
a single stage reduction to the present size, back lighted to insure
clean sharp serifs...Willem Muns and Larry DeVera executed the color
separations, plate work, stripping and presswork...Printed in an
edition of 249 copies on Strathmore Pastelle paper. Bound in the
studio of Bela Blau. Design & typography by N.W.F. Signed by
Norman W. Forgue.
Translated in the metre on Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat by W.H. Mallock.
Introduction by Frank Hartman and decorations in color by Calvin
Brazelton. Bound in full black leather with marbled end papers. Front
cover design with title and title on spine stamped in gold. Line
copper decorations printed in two colors. Late in 1961 complete
plates were made from original composition for offset printing. After
months of trying to get printer to position pages correctly, printing
was completed, but presswork, register and color were so bad sheets
were destroyed. B20th 43/1910.
Petty, Harvey. Alphabetum Zanium. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1976. 27 pp. 2 5/8" x 2".
Colophon: Two hundred and forty nine copies of this miniature have
been printed on Strathmore gray pastelle text... Foreword, Index and
this note set in four point Linotype Century, leaded two points... To
Willem Muns and Larry Devera goes the credit for color separation,
plates and presswork... The publisher wishes to pay tribute to G.
Harvey Petty for not only his craftsmanship, but his ability to see a
project through. Bound by hand in the studio of Bela Blau... Norman
Forgue is responsible for all other details of production.
Bound in marbled paper with red leather backs trip and gold stamped
title by Bela Blau. Red end papers with alphabet print. B20th
44/2321.
Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Days. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1977. 25 pp. 2 1/8" x 1 5/8".
Colophon: The typefaces used in this little book are Linotype
Garamond in various sizes and one size of Primer...Stripping, plates
and presswork by Maynard Johnson...Printed in a limited edition on
Beckett Text Wove...Frontispiece by Mathias Noheimer...Hand bound in
the studio of Bela Blau. Design, typography & production by
Norman W. Forgue. Initialized by N.W.F. B20th 45/2917.
Petty, G.H. Daffynitions. Skokie: Black Cat Press, 1977. 43 pp. 2
5/8" x 2".
Colophon: Signed Norman W Forgue. Produced by Norman W Forgue. Format
and Calligraphy by G. Harvey Petty. 249 copies printed on green
Pastelle paper by Willem Muns and Larry DeVera. Hand Bound in the
studio of Bela Blau.
Golden yellow calligraphy and black on Strathmore Pastelle. 249
copies. Full dark brown leather, hand drawn end sheets printed in
red-brown, front and spine stamped in gold. ten copies were sent to
Spain for special binding, none of which are for sale. No description
can be given here, as the two brothers who do the work, despite
specific instructions, do what they want, and the books may be in
hand in a month or two years. Harvey Petty of Indianapolis is more
than a calligrapher. He is a fine all-round printer, layout man and
teacher, and an authority on religious scripture. B20th 46/2324.
Bender, Karen Ann. April Stories. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1977. 38 pp. 2 1/2" x 1 7/8".
Colophon: Printed in Fairfield type in various sizes. Printed
on Strathmore Pastelle paper. Bound by Bela Blau. Design, typography
and production by Norman W. Forgue.
Bound in half leather, front and spine stamped in gold. French fold.
Decorative end sheets. Composed in Times Roman by Signature Press.
249 copies. B20th 47/313.
Forgue, Norman, W. Bibliography of Miniature Books and Ephemera.Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 120 pp. 2 3/4" x 2 1/4".
Colophon: Composition: Boston Linotype. Typeface: 6/7 point
Linotype Garamond. Editing: Madeline Forgue. Typography and Design:
Norman W. Forgue. Printing: Alpha Beta Press. Paper: Srathmore
Pastelle Ivory. Binding: Bela Blau.
Introduction by Richard Cady. In two Volumes, 60 pages each. Bound in
leather. Stamped in gold. Contains specimen pages. Some pages in
color. In protective box. B20th 48/1107.
Jones, E. Willis. Santa's Own Story of His Many Lives. Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1977. 54 pp. 2 13/16" x 2 1/4".
Colophon: This little book is designed by E. Willis Jones, composed
in Times Roman by Signature Press, Inc., and printed in an edition of
249 copies on Strathmore Pastel by Alpha Beta Press. Binding by Bela
Blau. Production by Norman Forgue.
Illustrated by Rainey Bennett. 4000 words. Hand bound in red calfskin
with front cover and spine gold-stamped. B20th 49/1619.
Davis, Frank Marshall. Awakening and Other Poems. Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1978. 44 pp. 2 3/4" x 2 1/4".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Bodoni and printed on Strathmore
antique paper in an edition of 249 copies. Bound by hand in the
studio of Bela Blau. Design, typography & production by Norman W.
Forgue. Completed at Skokie, Illinois, 1978. Signed by Norman W.
Forgue.
Foreword from the Pittsburgh Courier. Introduction by Norman Forgue.
Bound in black leather with gold stamping on the spine and front
cover. Patterned end papers. B20th 50/861.
Hill, Aimo W. A Brief History of the U.S. Naval Academy. Skokie,
IL: Black Cat Press, nd. 85 pp. 2 7/8" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Again the craftsmanship of Willem Muns and Larry DeVera has
contributed greatly to the quality of this first edition...Text is
composed in Linotype Fairfield with chapter designations in Ludlow
Eden Bold. Main title line is Goudy text...249 copies have been
printed on Strathmore Pastelle, blue antique paper by offset
lithography...Hand bound by Bela Blau. Design, typography &
production by Norman W. Forgue.
12 line drawings in black, most tinted in shades of blue and green.
Bound in dark blue leather with marbled end papers. Cover design and
title on spine stamped in gold. B20th 51/1438.
McCuen, Harold E. Entrances and Exits, Recollections of Ohio Theater. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1978. 94 pp. 2 3/4" x 2
1/8".
Colophon: The types used herein are Linotype Fairfield, designed by
William Dwiggins and Ludlow Umbra, designed by R. Hunter Middleton.
Folios and chapter breaks set in Optima bold...Line and halftone
negatives and the meticulous task of stripping both in position by
Willem Muns. The responsibility of printing each eight page signature
in two colors by Larry De Vera...Edition limited to 249 copies on
Strathmore Ivory Pastelle Smooth paper. Handbound in the studio of
Bela Blau. Design, typography & production by Norman W. Forgue.
Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Recollections of the Ohio Theater. 21 illustrations. Bound in olive
green leather stamped in gold on front cover and spine. Decorative
end papers. B20th 52/2039.
Petty, G. Harvey. Alphabet Sentences. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1978. 27 pp. 2 3/16" x 2 3/4".
Colophon: Design/ Calligraphy: G. Harvey Petty. Stripping: Willem
Muns. Presswork: Larry DeVera. Paper: Strathmore Pastelle. Binding:
Bela Blau. Production: Norman W. Forgue.
249 copies. Printing in 2 colors. Tipped in fold-out chart. Bound by
hand with hand-drawn decorative endsheets, also in two colors. Front
cover and spine stamped in gold. researched tretise featuring the
development of writing and the alphabet over the ages. Each page
consists of a sentence using all of the letters of the alphabet, the
first beginning with "A" after 5th Century Greek down through Z.
B20th 53/2320.
Brady, Ernest W. Soliloquy of a Postage Stamp. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1978. (6) pp.3" x 2 1/4".
Printed wrappers. Postage stamp. B20th 54/492.
Zara, Louis. Author's Proof . Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1979. 33
pp., 2 1/4" x 1 5/8".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Bodoni Book and Ludlow Campanile for
display...Printed in an edition of 249 copies on rag-content
paper...Hand bound by Bela Blau. Design & typography by Norman W.
Forgue.
Printed on Ivory Strathmore paper in two colors. Contains three
cartoon illustrations with captions and marbled end papers. Hand
bound in brown leatherette. Front cover illustration and spine
stamped in gold. B20th 55/3335.
Harris, Carla. Man in Smock . Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1979. 53
pp. 2 1/2" x 1 3/4".
Colophon:Typeface- Linotype Fairfield. Paper- Strathmore Antique.
Printer- Alpha Beta Press. Edition- Limited to 249 copies.
Decorations- Aimo W. Hill, Jr. Hand Binder- Bela Blau. Design &
Typography- Norman W. Forgue (signed by Norman W. Forgue).
Some of the books were misbound, among them was Charlotte Smith's
first copy. She was informed by Mr. Forgue that Mr. Blau had suffered
a heart attack, so that his wife and daughters had bound them, so she
returned it for an exchange. B20th 56/1317.
Morley, Christopher. No Crabb, No Christmas . Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1978. 20 pp., 2 13/4" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Of this first edition, 249 copies have been printed. Set in
Linotype Caslon and printed on Strathmore Pastelle paper. bound by
Bela Blau. Design & typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Printed in red, green, and black. Bound in Pajco red with Morocco
grain. Front cover illustration and title on spine stamped in gold.
B20th 57/2136.
Zara, Louis. The Santa Who Was Late . Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1979. 45 pp. 2 1/2" x 1 7/8".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Garamond and its companion
italic...Printed in an edition of 249 copies on Strathmore Smooth
Pastelle paper by offset lithography...Hand binding by Bela Blau.
Design, typography & production by Norman W. Forgue.
Frontispiece by Dale Nichols. Bound in red leather with design and
title on the front cover and the title on the spine stamped in gold.
Decorative end papers. B20th 58/3337.
Davidson, Gustar. 19th Century American Juvenile Authors. Skokie,
IL: Black Cat Press, 1979. 36 pp. 2 1/2" x 1 7/8".
Gilt cloth boards by Bela Blau. 249 copies. B20th 59/859.
Petty, G. Harvey. Sages of the Ages. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1980. 38 pp. 2 11/16" x 3 9/16".
Colophon: 249 copies printed by Alpha Beta Press on rag content
paper. Binding by Bela Blau. Production by Norman W. Forgue.
French-fold linen finish antique paper printed in apple green
and black. Decorations, initial letters and bleed pages in two
colors. Hand bound in smooth grained dark green leather with
illustrated two-color end papers. Title on front and spine stamped in
gold. A beautiful example of the calligrapher's art and one of
Petty's finest. B20th 60/2325.
Pseudonyms. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1979. 40 pp., 2 1/2" x 1
7/8".
Colophon: The illustrations herein have been taken from early
children's books by various unknown artists...Text is composed in
Linotype Baskerville in combination with Corvinus, Park Avenue and
Optima Bold...249 copies printed on Strathmore Antique paper by
offset lithography. Hand bound by Bela Blau. Design, typography &
production by Norman W. Forgue.
French-folded white rag paper with 10 illustrations printed in black
with pink underlay. Bound in purple Pyroxylin leather with front
cover and spine stamped in gold. End papers illustrated in black
encircled in pink. B20th: Not listed.
Pollock, Norman. The Beginnings of Photography. Skokie, IL: Black
Cat Press, n.d. 60 pp. 2 3/8" x 1 13/16".
Colophon: Composed in various sizes of Linotype Century, a typeface
extensively used in the early 1900's...Printed on Strathmore Text
paper in an edition of 249 copies by Alpha Beta Press...Portrait
illustrations from the capable hands of Helen Ruthberg and
photographs from "The Picture of Photography" by Peter Pollack...Hand
binding executed by Bela Blau. Design, typography & production by
Norman W. Forgue.
Illustrated with four two color portraits, six half-tone photos, and
all decorations in color. Hand bound in tan mottled leather with
front cover and spine stamped in gold. Marbled end papers. Contains a
15 cent photography stamp as frontispiece. B20th 61/2382.
Mamoulian, Rouben. Abigayil, The Story of the Cat at the Manger.
Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1980. 44 pp. 3 1/8" x 2 5/8".
Colophon: 'This book has been reproduced from the original first
edition and only printing...Much of the credit for the quality of
reproduction excellence is due to the patience and craftsmanship of
Willem Muns who made the negatives, stripped the three color
negatives into position...Ward Schori also helped in many ways... My
part was relatively easy handling production details, folding the
individual sheets and gathering into signatures'. Bound by Bela Blau.
Signed Norman W Forgue.
Illustrated by Marshall Goodman. 48 pages. White rag content paper.
20 illustrations in black with backgrounds of yellow and green from
screened halftone. Boundin soft yellow grained pyroxylin leather,
with front and spine stamped in silver by Bela Blau. 249 copies.
B20th 62/1926.
He is Nothing But a Little Boy. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1980.
34 pp. 3/4" x 3/4".
Colophon: Typeface: Hanover (Melior). Composition: Boston Linotype.
Printing: The Schori Press. Paper: Teton Line. Illustrations: Barbara
J Raheb. Binding: Bela Blau. Design: Norman Forgue. Edition: 249
copies. Completed: November 1980. Signed NWF.
Printed on Melior type on a lightweight white paper. Frontispiece and
opening initial letter by Barbara Raheb printed in a light blue and
black. Bound in white Pyroxylin leather with design on front stamped
in gold. B20th 63/1348.
Miller, Harry L. The Mad 2265 Mile Das of the Scott Special.
Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1980. 68 pp. 1 3/4" x 1 3/8".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Bodoni Book and printed in an edition
of 249 copies by offset lithography on rag-content paper. Bound by
Bela Blau. Design & typography by Norman W. Forgue. Initialized
by N.W.F.
Drawing in color and a map outlining the route taken by Scott
Special. Bound in maroon Pyroxylin leather with front cover design
and title on spine stamped in gold. B20th 64/2087.
Ferguson, H.N. A Tale of the Old West. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1980. 52 pp., 1 13/16" x 1 7/16".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Bodoni Book and printed in an edition
of 249 copies by offset lithography on rag-content paper. Bound by
Bela Blau. Design and typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Woodcut Illustrations and title page printed in two colors. Bound in
yellow-brown Pyroxylin leather with front cover design and title on
spine in gold. B20th 65/1068.
Lincoln, Abraham. A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand.
Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1980. 51 pp., 2 3/4" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: 249 copies of this volume have been printed from Linotype
Garamond on white Strathmore Pastelle. Hand-bound by Bela Blau. Title
page decoration by Calvin Brazelton. Designed by N.W.F. Signed by
Norman W. Forgue.
Introduction by Douglas C. McMurtie, and publisher's note by Norman
W. Forgue. Title page in blue and black with opening pages also in
two colors. Bound in dark blue Morocco Proxlin leather by Bela Blau.
Lincoln head on front and title on spine stamped in gold. This was
the first volume in the Lincoln series published by the Black Cat
Press. Issued as a full size book in 1936, limited to 140 copies. Due
to an error in cutting at the bindery only 34 copies were bound. So
basically this is the first general printing and distribution since
1858. Text is exactly as Lincoln wrote it. B20th 66/1835.
Trueblood, D. Elton. A Eulogy: Herbert Clark Hoover. Skokie: Black
Cat Press, 1980. 28 pp. 1 3/4" x 1 3/8".
Colophon: Text is set in Intertype Century. Edition of 249 copies.
Printed by Offset Lithography. Bound by Bela Blau. Design and
typography by Norman W. Forgue.
Portrait as frontispiece. Bound in black leather with gold-stamped
design on front cover and title on spine. B20th 67/2946.
Bradford, Ralph. In the Image of Man. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1981. 48 pp. 2 3/4" x 2".
COLOPHON: Edition: 249 copies. Paper: Strathmore Pastelle. Printer:
Schori Press. Binder: Bela Blau. Drawing: Benjamin Greenstein.
Production: Norman W. Forgue. (Signed by Norman W.
Forgue) Printed in two colors. Front and spine stamped in gold.
Type set by hand. B20th 68/489.
Petty, G. Harvey. Books, Sayings, Apothegms, Maxims, Epigrams.
Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1981. 44 pp. 2 3/4" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Design & Calligraphy by G. Harvey Petty. Printing by
the Schori Press. Strathmore Antique Paper. Edition of 240 copies.
Hand-bound by Bela Blau. Production by Norman W. Forgue.
Printed in two colors with 16 of the 48 pages as full display pages.
249 copies. Hand drawn end sheets in two colors with a dark mottled
brown Pyroxlin for the binding. Design of front cover and title on
the spine stamped in gold. B20th 69/2322.
Beckman, James W. Elbert Hubbard, a Man of the Century. Skokie,
IL: Black Cat Press, 1981. 67 pp., 2 3/8" x 1 ¾".
Colophon: Linotype Century was chosen as the best typeface for this
text, as it represents a type commonly used in the
period...Negatives, stripping and printing by Alpha Beta Press in an
addition of 249 copies... Handbound by Bela Blau... Illustration
courtesy of the Newberry Library. Design typography and production
Norma W. Forgue. Signed Forgue.
Eden bold typeface is used for the title line. On white antique paper
and the second color is an olive-brown. reproduced is a cover from
the December, 1907 Philistine and a title page of Little Journeys.
Also two display pages in color. hand bound in tan pyroxylin,
decorative end papers with front and spine stamped in gold. B20th
70/302.
Four Christmas Stories. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1981. 69 pp.,
2 7/16" x 1 13/16".
Colophon: The typefaces used for this book are Linotype Baskerville
for the text, Old English and Society Text for the title lines...249
copies printed at the Schori Press on Teton text paper...Decorations
chosen from the 1923 edition of the American Typefounder's specimen
book...Hand bound by Bela Blau of Los Angeles...Design and typography
by Norman W. Forgue. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Contains four Christmas stories: "The Santa Story" by Beth Weinhouse,
"Gifts of Love"by Pam Hait, "Growing Up Without Santa" by Francine
Klagsbrun, and "Christmas Traditions to Share" by Katherine Barrett.
Decorations printed in red and green. Bound in gold Pyroxylin with
Santa stamped on front cover in red. B20th 71/1122.
Wirtz, Rober White. Shanghaied. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1982.
30 pp., 2 9/16" x 2".
Colophon: Of this edition there have been printed 249 copies of which
only 225 are for sale. Linotype Bodoni Book and Ludlow True-cut
Bodoni are the typefaces used...Printed on Teton paper by offset
lithography at the Schori Press, Evanston...Bound by Bela Blau at Los
Angeles...Cover art, design, typography and production by Norman W.
Forgue, and signed by him.
Decorations by Marvin E. Smith. Paper bound in a french-fold. Printed
in black, green, and brown. Bound in green Pyroxylin leather with
front design and title on spine in gold. Decorative end papers. B20th
72/3295.
Blades, William. Extracts from the Enemies of Books. Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1981. 36 pp., 2 3/8" x 1 13/16".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Baskerville in combination with
Society Text a Ludlow typeface...249 copies printed by offset
lithography on Strathmore Pastelle at Schori Press...Bound in Los
Angeles by Bela Blau. Design, typography, & production by Norman
W. Forgue. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Illustrations by Calvin Brazelton. Printed on soft ivory paper with
six two-color illustrations. 249 copies. Bound in dark brown mottled
Pyroxylin leather with front cover and spine stamped in gold.
Decorative end papers. B20th 73/441.
Ruthberg, Helen. Miniatures. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1982. 90
pp. 2 ½" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: The type for this miniature book is composed in 10 point
Linotype Melior by Boston Linotype. 249 copies printed by offset
lithography on Strathmore Text paper. Hand binding by Bela Blau in
his Los Angeles studio. Calligraphy and line drawings by the author.
Design, typography and production supervision by Norman W. Forgue.
Signed Forgue.
3 full page and 11 double spread halftone illustrations, plus line
drawings. Bound in powder blue Pyroxlin leather, stamped in gold,
light pink end papers. B20th 74/2063.
Hill, Aimo W. Jr. Skipjacks of the Chesapeake. Skokie, IL: Black
Cat Press, 1982. 90 pp., 2 ½" x 2".
Colophon: Types are designated by various styles such as Oldstyle,
Sans Serif, Script, and many other classifications, including Memphis
Bold, Hellvetica italic, Radiant Bold and Mandate Script. 249 copies
printed by offset lithography on Mohawk Superfine by The Schori Press
under the supervision of Willem Muns. Hand bound by Bela Blau at Los
Angeles. Design, color overlays, typography an production by Norman
W. Forgue. Signed Forgue.
Printed in black and sea blue on a rag content paper. The 17
illustrations are in two colors, with color for the chapter divisions
and title page. Bound in a special Pyroxlin, with front cover design
and spine stamped in gold, illustrated end paper. B20th 75/1440.
Starrett, Vincent. An Essay on Limited Editions. Skokie: Black
Cat, 1982. 41 pp. 2 1/8" x 1 5/8".
Colophon: Typeface: Linotype Melior. Letterpress Printing: Scott B.
Taylor Schori Press. Paper: Becket Offset. Edition: Limited to 249
copies. Hand Binding: Bela Blau. Typography: Norman W. Forgue.
Completed during May, 1982. Signed by Norman Forgue.
48 pages. Printed in red and black. Bound by Bela Blau. B20th
76/2802.
Basler, Roy. Concerning Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence, as One Southerner to Another. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1982. 44 pp., 2 9/16" x 2".
Colophon: This text has been composed in Linotype Goudy Bold with
hand set Goudy Text for title line...After etch proofs, type reduced
to present size...Negatives, striping and press plates by Willem
Muns...Printed in an edition of 249 copies on Strathmore Text at the
Schori Press...Hand bound by Bela Blau of Los Angeles...Design,
typography and production by Norman W. Forgue. Signed by Norman W.
Forgue.
Printed on a rag-content paper in black with four decorations in
blue. Bound in blue Pyroxlin leather with front cover and spine
stamped in gold. Decorative end papers. B20th 77/292.
Smith, Thomas R. Yesterdays. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1982. 74
pp. 2 5/8" x 2"
Fine binding by Peter Geraty. 250 copies. B20th 78. Also a Proof
copy.
Zara, Louis. Our Lady of Mercy . Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1982.
43 pp., 2 1/4" x 1 13/16".
Colophon: The text typeface is Linotype Fairfield and the title line
is set in Foundry Glamour Light. Decorations drawn by Joseph
Trautwein, staff artist at the Norman Press. Edition of 249 copies
printed on Strathmore Text paper at the Schori Press. Hand bound in
the studio of Bela Blau. Design, typography, and production by Norman
W. Forgue. Signed by Norman W. Forgue.
Illustrations printed in red, green, and black. Bound in an off-white
Pyroxylin leather with decoration of a Christmas tree on the front
cover and title on spine stamped in gold. B20th 79/3336.
Dickens, Charles. Night Walks. (Vol. 1, Dickens set) Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1982. 67 pp. 2 3/4" x 2".
Colophon: Composition: Boston Linotype; Typefaces: Century for the
text, Ultra Bodoni, Trafton Script and Eden Bold, display; Negatives,
Strippings and Printing: The Schore Press; Binding: Bela Blau; Edition:
Limited to 199 sets; Design, Typography, and Production: Norman W.
Forgue
First editions with introductions and notes by Harry Stone. Texts
composed on the Linotype in Merganthaler's version of Century. Total
of 26 illustrations, using a different color ink, along with black,
for each book. Two color line drawings by Barbara J. Raheb. Each with
a different color front cover design and title on spine stamped in
gold. Decorative end sheets and matching headbands. In slipcase
covered with French marbled paper. 199 copies. B20th 80/912.
Dickens, Charles. Travelling Abroad. (Vol. 2, Dickens set) Skokie,
IL: Black Cat Press, 1982. 77 pp. 2 3/4" x 2".
Colophon: Composition: Boston Linotype; Typefaces: Century for the
text, Ultra Bodoni, Trafton Script and Eden Bold, display; Negatives,
Strippings and Printing: The Schore Press; Binding: Bela Blau; Edition:
Limited to 199 sets; Design, Typography, and Production: Norman W.
Forgue. 199 copies. B20th 81/921.
Dickens, Charles. A Flight. (Vol. 3, Dickens set) Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1982. 65 pp. 2 3/4" x 2".
Colophon: Composition: Boston Linotype; Typefaces: Century for the
text, Ultra Bodoni, Trafton Script and Eden Bold, display; Negatives, Stripping, and Printing: The Schore Press; Binding: Bela Blau; Edition:
Limited to 199 sets; Design, Typography, and Production: Norman W.
Forgue. 199 copies. B20th 82/907.
Lincoln, Abraham. The Bear Hunt. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1982. 22 pp. 2 11/16" x 2 1/8".
Colophon: Design: G. Harvey Petty. Printing: Alpha Beta Press. Paper:
Normandy Text. Edition: 249 copies. Binding: Bela Blau. Production:
Norman W. Forgue. Signed.
Offset lithograhy in two colors and specially designed end papers.
Bound in a mottled tan Pyroxylin leather. Front and spine stamped in
gold. B20th 83/1836.
Sam Patch, the Yankee Leaper. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1983.
39 pp., 2 3/16" x 1 1/2".
Colophon: Printed letterpress direct from six point Linotype Melior,
two point leaded, on Allegro Vellum paper by Scott B. Taylor at the
Schori Press. Bound by Bela Blau. Design, typography, and production
by Norman W. Forgue, and initialized by him.
Bound in brown Pyroxlin leather with spine and front cover stamped in
gold. B20th 84/2617.
Levitan, Kalman L. Miniature Books Relating to Postage Stamps. Two vols. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1983. 150 pp. 2 3/4" x 2 1/4".
Gilt cloth by Bela Blau. 250 copies. B20th 85/1821.
Smith, Beatrice. You May Have a Fortune on your Bookshelf. Black
Cat Press, Skokie, nd. 42 pp., 2 1/8" x 1 ½".
Colophon: Printed letterpress direct from six point Linotype Melior,
two point leaded, on Allegro Vellum paper by Scott B. Taylor at the
Schori Press. Bound by Bela Blau. Design, typography and production
by Norman W. Forgue. Signed.
Printed in two colors. Black Pyroxlin leather with front design and
title stamped in gold. Decorative end sheets. B20th 86/2759.
I'm Fine. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, n.d. 4 pp. 3 1/16" x 2 13/16". B20th 87/1537.
To Remember Me. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, nd. 12 pp. 2 7/8" x 2
1/2".
Colophon: 'This keepsake was conceived for the friends of Norman W.
Forgue and Ward K. Schori with the hope it will be accepted in the
spirit it was was created, with no sense of the morbid... And to
borrow the words of Lionel, age 5, from the keepsake, Children's
Prayers to God- "I would like to go to heaven someday, but I'm in no
rush!" ' Design by N.W.F. Letterpress printing by Ward Schori,
printed wrappers. B20th 88/2933.
Hutchison, Ruth. Christmas in Bethlehem. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1983. 58 pp. 2 11/16" x 2".
Colophon: The text for this miniature book was composed in 11 point
Baskerville, leaded 3 points, by Boston Linotype... After etch proofs
were pulled, Willem Muns made the negatives, stripped pages into
position and is also responsible for the color separations... The
illustrations were cut as linoleum blocks by Eileen Tabor and reduced
from the originals...Bound by hand in the studio of Bela Blau, Los
Angeles. Proofs read by Ward K. Schori. Design, Typography and
Production by Norman W. Forgue. Signed HWF.
6 full pages, 1 double spread illustration and several spot
decorations, printed in black with red, tan, green, and blue as the
second color from hand cut linoleum blocks. Bound in deep maroon
Pyroxlin with front, back and spine stamped in gold. Decorative end
papers. B20th 89/1529.
Guthrie, James. The Miniature World or Norman Forgue. Skokie, IL:
Black Cat Press, 1983. 93 pp., 2 11/16" x 2".
Colophon: l86th miniature book issued by Black Cat Press. Contains
four color process illustrations. Text composed in Linotype Melior by
Boston Linotype, with title lines Melior by Photo composition.
Edition limited to 249 copies on coronado Opaque paper by Alpha Beta
Press. Cover design by g. Harvey Petty. Bound by Bela Blau. Design,
typography and production by Norman W. Forgue. Signed Forgue.
10 full page and 4 double spread halftone illustrations. Title page
portrait is in duo tone with decoration in color. Eight full page
bleed illustrations printed in color, and the end papers in color
show two miniature rooms. Bound in Pyroxlin leather with a front
cover design by G. Harvey Petty and spine stamped in a deep brown
foil. B20th 90/1278.
Bierce, Ambrose. A Horseman in the Sky. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1983. 31 pp., 2 11/16" x 2 1/16".
Colophon: Design & Calligraphy- G. Harvey Petty / Printing-
Schori Press / Paper- Strathmore Text / Production- Norman W. Forgue
(signed by him)
249 copies by offset lithography on light gray paper in blue and
black. Specially designed end sheets with flags printed in red and
blue. Bound in navy blue Pyroxlin leather with front cover and spine
stamped in gold. B20th 91/421.
Crouch, Tom D. A Dream of Wings. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1984. 43 pp. 2 1/8" x 2 1/2".
Colophon: Edition limited to 249 copies; Linotype Fairfield and
garamond composed by Boston Linotype; Printed by the Schori Press on
Teton Opaque paper; Bound by John Larivierie; Design and Typography
by Norman W. Forgue.
Printed in two colors. Decorative end papers, front and spine stamped
in gold. B20th 92/784.
Snyder, Dee. The ABC's of Baker Street. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1983. 97 pp. 2 7/8" x 2".
Colophon: This text has been composed in Linotype Century and its
companion italic, a typeface popular at the time... After page makeup
the type was etch proofed, then reduced to size from which negatives
and press plates were made at the Schori Press who also did the
presswork... Edition of 249 copies hand-bound by Bela Blau... Design,
typography and production by Norman W. Forgue who thanks each of the
craftsmen who participated in the making of this miniature book and a
special thanks to the author for her splendid cooperation. Signed
Noram W Forgue. B20th 95/2770.
Doyle, Sir A. Conan. A Scandal in Bohemia. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1984. 110 pp. 2 3/8" x 1 3/4".
Colophon: Edition: 249 copies. Printer: Schori Press. Paper: Teton
Opaque. Design: Norman W. Forgue. Binder: John Lariviere. Signed
Norman W. Forgue.
Printed in two colors on acid free paper. Bound in orange synthetic
with back stamped in gold and front cover decoration in color. B20th
96/975.
Ransom, Will. Printing: A Modest Art. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press,
1984. 89 pp. 2 1/2" x 2".
Colophon: The steps in making a book, particularly a miniature are
many and varied... First comes the design which entails the selection
of a typeface, printing process, paper, use of second color, binding
material and the size of the finished book. Also must be considered,
margins, end papers, and art for cover stamping dies... For this
little book Linotype Century was chosen for its richness of color and
high legibility. After type was set, galleys were broken down into
pages of uniform depth and adjustments made to avoid all bad
typographical breaks. Proofs were read, corrections made then each
page was etch proofed, placed before the camera from which came the
reduced size negatives. Then the cutting of each negative which was
stripped into position to make 8 page printing plates or 16 page
signatures. 249 copies printed by offset lithograhy on Coronado Text
paper by Willem Muns at the Schori Press...After printing, sheets
were blind scored the long way of the form to insure perfect head
alignment of each page. Sheets then hand folded and the process
repeated scoring for uniform gutter margins. Forms then cut apart,
hand folded into 8 page signatures, one inserted into another to make
up the 16 pages for binding. These are gathered into books, hand sewn
and bound in the studio of Bela Blau. Design, typography and
production by Norman W. Forgue. Signed.
Title and opening page in 2 colors. Bound in Pyroxlin Front and spine
gold stamped. Decorative end sheets. B20th 97/2548.
Orleans, Ilo. Laughing up your Sleeve. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1984. 46 pp., 2 5/8" x 2".
Colophon: Text composed in Linotype Baskerville in combination with
Foundry Lydian... 249 copies printed on Teton Text by offset
lithography at the Schori Press under the supervision of Willem
Muns... Pen and ink drawings by Doris Frankner... Hand bound in the
studio of John Larivierre... Design, typography and production by
Norman W. Forgue. Signed.
French fold. and illustrations on each page printed in color. Hand
bound and gold stamped. B20th 98/2280.
Doyle, Sir A. Conan. A Case of Identity. Skokie, IL: Black Cat
Press, 1984. 87 pp., 2 3/8" x 1 3/4".
Colophon: Composed in Linotype Century with Ludlow Garamond and
Coronet bold for display lines. Printed in an edition of 249 copies
by offset lithography on Corsican, and acid free paper by the Schori
Press under the supervision of Willem Muns. Hand bound in the studio
of John Lariviere. Design, typography and production by Norman W.
Forgue. Signed.
91st miniature of Black Cat. Printed on ivory paper in black and
green. Bound in green pigskin leather. With front and spine stamped
in gold. B20th 99/946.
Spirit of Christmas. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1984. 46 pp. 2
3/8" x 2".
Colophon: This, the 95th miniature book could be another BCP first.
The text herein consists of four expressions of Christmas, each with
its own meaning and message. In the years I taught Graphic Arts at
the American Academy of Art and Northwestern University I repeated
over and over in my teachings that it was no part of the designers
art to project the designers personality of preferences into any
given assignment. But that the purpose of his art was to further the
meaning of the author's words and to the best of his ability select
types, paper, illustrations and all other elements that would do just
that... And to follow my own teachings I have set each of the four
messages in a different typeface that I felt would add emphasis to
the words being read- which I don't believe has ever been done before
in a book, large or small... Typefaces in the order of their
appearance are: Linotype Bodoni, Baskerville, Fairfield, Optima and
Melior, with various typefaces for display. Printed in an edition of
249 copies on Strathmore Text at the Schori Press... Christmas being
a special time of thanks I would like now to express my gratitude to
all the craftsmen who have contributed their time an talents which
has made the many productions possible. Phil Boston for typesetting,
Andy Cygan for the excellent presswork, Willem Muns for the special
care and suggestions that has added to the charm of the finished
book. Last, but not least to Ward Schori a friend of many years whose
help in many ways has eased what could have been a burden in
production.... It now only remains to express my appreciation to
those who have supported my efforts throughout the years and to wish
one and all a most Happy Holiday Season. NWF.
On white acid free paper in black, red and green. Bound in synthetic
material by John Lariviere. Front and spine stamped in gold.
Decorative end-sheets. B20th 100/2778.
Bonaparte, Napoleon. Napoleon on Christ. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1984. 6 pp. 2 9/16" x 2".
Pages by Ward Schori, printed wrappers. B20th 102/458.
Schreiner, Olive. The Hunter. Skokie, IL: Black Cat Press, 1985.
64 pp., 2 3/16" x 1 13/16".
Colphon: Edition limited to 249 copies; Linotype Melior and Bodoni
composed by Boston Linotype; Printed by the Schori Press on Teton
Opaque paper; Bound by John Lariviere; Design and typography by
Norman W. Forgue.
Printed on acid-free paper in two colors. Bound in brown Pyroxylin
leather with title gold stamped on front and spine. B20th
103/2640.
Beatitudes, The. Black Cat Press. B20th: Not listed.
Check-List of Black Cat Press Miniature Books 1961-1967. B20th: Not listed.
Irving, Washington. The Story of Rebecca G. B20th: Not listed.
Isn't it Amazing. B20th: Not listed.
There is Nothing Sadder in the World than to Awake Christmas Morning and Not be a Child...Norman Press, Chicago. B20th: Not listed.
26 Soldiers of Lead. B20th: Not listed.
A Prayer for Self. B20th: Not listed.
In Loving Memory of Madeline Forgue. B20th: Not listed.
