Lumiere Press: Printer Savant & Other Stories

A Book Maker's Recollections of Three Decades
Of Fine Press Publishing On the Art of Photography

Commemorating the Establishment of The Lumiere Press Archives
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library University of Toronto

by Michael Torosian

2022

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In his introduction, press founder Michael Torosian charts his revelations in photography and book making through a pair of complementary philosophies - self-actualization and general aesthetics - the foundation for a life-long education in the arts.

Chapters are devoted to each of the 22 books from the press, exploring an array of topics - project conceptualization, photographic aesthetics, graphic design, image sequencing, editorial development - a collective road map to understanding the work of a fine press devoted to the concept of "The Book as the Medium of Photography."

The Reproductions

Along with images of each of the books, relevant artifacts have been selected from The Lumiere Press Archives to provide insight into the creative process.

The 92 illustrations have been reproduced through 10 micron stochastic four-color offset lithography. This advanced technology renders the image with laser-etched grain-like particles preserving the most minute detail. The finest type, on every book specimen, is perfectly legible.

Specifications

The text has been composed in Eldorado and printed in 10 micron stochastic four-color offset lithography on Mohawk Superfine eggshell finish paper.

The cover plaque and spine label have been cast in lead type, printed letterpress in metallic gold and gray inks on Mohawk Carnival paper and recessed into the debossed cover.

The book measures 7 3/8 x 10 inches; 168 pages.

Binding

The edition has been hand bound in full cloth in rust-colored Asahi Japanese book cloth. Numbered edition of 400, presented in a slipcase, signed by the author.

Variant Edition

Twenty-six copies, lettered A to Z, accompanied by an original archivally-printed gelatin-silver print by Michael Torosian.

The print is presented in a folio and the book and folio are housed in a custom-made clamshell box wrapped in coffee-colored Asahi Japanese book cloth.

Status

Order.