HERetic: Joan of Arc
2009, 7” x 5” x .5, 56 pages
Limited edition of 55, Smythe sewn with Mohawk #80 softcover printed on both sides with a fore edge wrap. $350
Deluxe edition of 6, hand sewn with limp vellum binding. $750

This small tribute to Joan of Arc resembles a prayerbook of a kind that she might have carried during her battles. On each left hand page is text from “Le Ditie de Jehanne d’Arc” by Christine de Pizan, a French poetess. Written in 1429 when Joan was at the height of her successful campaign, it celebrates her life and achievements. On each facing page, an image, incorporating photographs from the extensive collection of Joan of Arc memorabilia of the Boston Public Library, is combined with comments on Joan of Arc’s brief history. The pages covering her trial for heresy incorporate Joan’s own words, taken from the trial document. Select the double page spread below to see the detail.

The book was printed by Acme Bookbinders on the HP Indigo press 5500 on Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite 100# text. The fonts used were German Latin (sepia) for the text by Christine de Pizan, Uncial (red) for the history with William Shakespeare used for numerals, and 10th Century Bookhand (gold) for the words of Joan of Arc. Metallic pigment, added after printing, highlights her sword/ banner and the laurel leaves which at times resemble a crown of thorns. The deluxe edition is further enhanced with collaged ephemera and gold and silver leaf.

The phase box, pigment printed on archival barrier board, was designed to resemble a well-worn library enclosure for a rare book with semi-appropriate labels and rubber stamps.

Deborah A. Fraioli, Joan of Arc scholar and author, provided inspiration, expertise and encouragement. Susan Glover, Keeper of Special Collections at the Boston Public Library, graciously gave access to the extensive BPL collection and a disc of images photographed by library intern Michael Spelman. Viola Kaumlen, photographer extraordinare, captured the spirit of rare items, including their library labels.

The text and English translation of the Ditié is that presented in Christine de Pisan, Ditié de Jehanne d’Arc, ed. Angus J. Kennedy and Kenneth Varty [Medium Ævum Monographs, new series, ix] (Oxford, 1977 [reprinted 2003]). It is reproduced with the editors’ kind permission.

Shanna Leino demystified the properties of limp vellum and Mary McCarthy helped with binding the deluxe edition. Mary Taylor and Richard Krause provided much needed advice and support.

Losing Ground, a plea for awareness of our roles as stewards of the environment, can also be seen as a page turning flipbook. Information on how it was created is available in the process section.

More books, organized by year, can be seen in the books section and purchased from Priscilla Juvelis and Vamp and Tramp.