Thursday, March 27, 2014

A Trip to the Opera awaits you when you open Jim Machacek's and Sibyl Rubottom's O is for Opera. 

This accordion-bound book provides an alphabetical journey through some of the major operas and operatic features beginning with Aida and ending with the post-performance celebration, with Champagne and confetti on hand. Each chapter is illustrated and designed in minute detail with, for example, a giraffe and a fold-out pyramid accompanying Aida, part of the libretto of Madame Butterfly printed on gossamer-like paper reflecting the butterfly wings, the 'S' represented by a fold-out image of Sydney Opera House emerging from the page. Set Design is addressed with images from both front and back-stage where card doors open to reveal the layered design of an opera stage. Even the intermission is taken into consideration with 'I' at the Cafe Intermezzo. "The book is contained in a box lined with paper whose design is the work of Fortuny (Mariano Fortuny, 1871-1949, textile designer). The same fabric design becomes the accordion spine of the book." (Artist's note). On the box is a gold 'O' standing boldly proud of the surface. To even further authenticate and enhance the opera experience for the reader, a program and opera glasses (albeit made of card) are also provided. Included also is a boxed cd to accompany the book. This is both fun and informative and teems with creative detail throughout.

San Diego, California: False Bay Editions, (False Bay Editions), 2006. Edition of 45 of which this is number 27, signed by authors.

9.4 x 6.75"; 90 pages. Accordion fold with pop outs and multiple other movables. Letterpress printed on Velata paper using Bernhard Modern type and images by photopolymer plates. Calligraphy design by Judythe Siecke. Set page drawings by Stephen Hendrickson. In wine-colored cloth-covered 7.25 x 10 x 2.75" box.
O is for Opera
(Image courtesy of Vamp and Tramp Booksellers)

O is for Opera
(Image courtesy of Vamp and Tramp Booksellers)

O is for Opera
(Image courtesy of Vamp and Tramp Booksellers)

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