Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, Illustrated by Barry Moser, Arion Press, 1979

This is a limited edition of “Moby-Dick, or The Whale” published by the Arion Press in 1979 with a limitation of 250 copies. From the publisher, “Barry Moser's intricate boxwood engravings were intended as informative depictions of the whaling industry in general rather than Melville's story in particular, thus leaving "the Pequod, Ahab, and Moby-Dick described only by Melville's words." In order to render his subject matter with authentic detail, Moser spent many hours doing research at whaling and maritime museums in New England and San Francisco. This project marks his only collaboration with Andrew Hoyem, proprietor of the Press. The sixth book issued by Arion Press, Moby-Dick went into production more than ten years after Robert Grabhorn and Andrew Hoyem began planning it. The book took over a year to print, commencing in March of 1978 and was completed in May of 1979.” William Everson wrote in Fine Print: "Historically, the two great typographical edifices of West Coast printing are the Grabhorn Leaves of Grass and the Nash Divine Comedy. Now the Arion Press Moby-Dick takes its place beside them. This constitutes a feat of craftsmanship unexcelled in modern printing." 

Measuring 15” x 10”, the book is bound in full blue Moroccan goatskin leather with stamped silver titling to the spine and is housed in a blue cloth slipcase with a paper spine label. The type is handset Goudy Modern with Leviathan Titling, display capitals designed for this book. Printed in black and blue ink on dampened Barcham Green handmade paper, bearing a whale watermark, made specially for this edition. 

The book, slipcase, and prospectus are in FINE condition. 

A composite photograph of the binding, slipcase, and one of Barry Moser’s illustrations as well as a photograph of the prospectus cover appear in the photo section of the listing. 

About the Arion Press 

Since its inception in 1974, the Arion Press has published 114 deluxe limited editions that are breathtaking in their scope and artistry. Combining notable literature illustrated with original artwork from prominent artists, Andrew Hoyem and his team at the Arion Press have carried on the tradition of the livre d’artiste in spectacular fashion. Michael Kimmelman of the New York Times put it best when he wrote, "The Arion Press produces some of the most beautiful limited-edition, hand printed books in the world."