Though many have tried their hand at republishing Mary Shelley’s 1818 Gothic novel “Frankenstein” over the years, most have done little more than fill remainder shelves with one more public domain reprint.
Pledging to bring “new meaning to timeless tales,” publisher Bond & Grace has, with this Special Edition Art Novel, used a variety of papers, clever splashes of color, and specially commissioned artwork to bring this book to life once again.
Designed by Bond & Grace and Rachel Ghazarian and printed by Envision3, this hefty tome arrives in its own customized “cigar box” packaging courtesy of our friends at BindTech-Roswell [projects / website].
The packaging alone is both eerie and intriguing, with Clear Foil and Debossing enhancing the lid’s artwork while the title, author and publisher name are all Hot Foil Stamped in Purple along the spine.
Lifting the lid you can’t help but be reminded of how Victor Frankenstein raided coffins for the parts that would make up his creation. This is only the first step toward making us relive the lives of the novel’s characters.
The box’s interior is lined with Ecological Fibers suede-like Prestige Flock Asparagus, its greenish color the first sign of a motif of rot and decay that runs throughout this book.
Inside, a tug on an Orchid-hued ribbon frees the volume from its resting place, revealing just what you’d hope to find in any good Gothic novel – a secret compartment! Pulling a second Ribbon lifts the compartment lid to unveil an ornate brass letter opener.
This will come in handy soon enough. But first back to the book.
The shrink-wrapped volume boasts a simple sticker on the outside that reminds us that this is a limited edition item – copy 25 of 500 to be exact.
Unwrapped, the cover, printed on Ecological Fibers Rainbow LX Cambric 987, features an illustration based on a microscopic view of mold, while a vegan leather spine strip – Ecological Fibers Alpha Cowhide – gives the impression of a musty old journal that might be found on a 19th century shelf.
The title and other information, rendered in Silver Hot Foil, shimmer on the cover as well as the spine.
Inside, endpapers printed on 100 lb. Mohawk Via Smooth Text display the same illustrations that also grace the front of a notecard that accompanies the book.
Turning the page reveals an illustrated scene, the word “Sever” printed across it. On closer examination it appears to be a French fold – actually a bound in roll-fold – with further text and illustrations hidden inside.
But all is not as it appears to be.
This section mimics vintage books that once required readers to cut open their pages before reading. Using the accompanying letter opener not only provides an interactive experience but also feels, like Victor Frankenstein himself, as if I’ve begun a journey of no return.
There are so many other magnificent touches throughout this piece, including original artwork, a hand-numbered flyleaf, a ribbon bookmark that matches the Orchid hue of the ribbons in the box, and full-page pull quotes that call attention to key points in the story.
Especially effective is the use of uncoated 80 lb. Mohawk Via Felt for the printing of the letters interspersed between chapters. The parchment-like feel of the paper combined with the handwritten look of the text makes me feel as if I’m reading authentic 19th century correspondence, providing a powerful contrast to the 80 lb. Sappi McCoy Silk coated sheets used for the artwork and scholarly notes throughout.
Additionally, some pages are flooded with different colored tints to match the mood and actions described in the text: Red when a death has occurred, Lavender in moments of love and compassion. There is even an oval mirror spread – Celloglas Mirri Silver – that invites the reader to look at themselves and consider the monsters that lurk within.
Careful selection of papers, unforgettable packaging, and a host of unusual printing and finishing choices transform this classic novel into a multi-sensory experience, breathing inspiring new life into what is – let’s face it – a very old monster.
(You can purchase the book here)
