A New Fine Press, Fablelistik Editions, has been launched by Macmillan Publishers

A new fine press is launching today (October 1) with one of the best-known publishers behind it. Its name is Fablelistik Editions and its a new venture for a publisher that goes back long before the legendary Kelmscott Press, when the old way of making books was still the new way – Macmillan Publishers. They have done this before.

Since this is all new, we will let them describe what this new brand will be creating, “Fablelistik Editions publishes finely crafted, limited edition, and fine press books. In collaboration with renowned authors and artisans, Fablelistik creates bespoke renditions of contemporary and classic stories – to read, to share, to treasure.”

Their first book will be a story that goes back even farther than Macmillan, back to the days when people still named their children “Ichabod.” It is Washington Irving's classic American lore, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Fablelistik Publishing Director Taylor Armstrong said, “We could not be more excited to launch with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The intricate and thoughtful artistry our partners brought to these editions is extraordinary and created the foundation for us to preserve and champion the literary and visual arts community while exemplifying books as works of art.” Macmillan Publishers CEO added, “In launching Fablelistik Editions, we embrace Macmillan’s belief in the power and lasting impact of books. Books have the unmatched ability to captivate and inspire, standing the test of time as treasured keepsakes. We look forward to creating collections that people will cherish—pieces of art that celebrate these beloved stories and honor the unique connection that only beautifully crafted books can provide.”

Fablelistik is creating three limited editions of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Each edition includes more than 12 painted illustrations as well as a biography of Washington Irving by Catalina Hannan, Research Librarian of the Hudson Valley Historic Archive, and an afterword from Andrew Burstein, professional historian and distinguished author of many historical non-fiction works, including The Original Knickerbocker: The Life of Washington Irving. The three limited editions are:

Lettered Edition (Print run of 26, lettered A-Z): Hot metal letterpressed on handmade paper, handbound with a stone leaf veneer laser-cut from a drawing inspired by the landscape of Washington Irving’s estate, Sunnyside. This oversized 10x14” edition will be housed in a clothbound handmade articulated clamshell case, lined in suede. Designer Bookbinder, Gavin Dovey, grounds his work in tradition while also embracing a distinctly modern design sensibility, using printing, photo transfer and varied dyeing and airbrush techniques to achieve a fresh perspective on an old craft.

Numbered Edition (Print run of 275): Hot metal letterpressed on mould-made paper - handbound with a cloth case featuring an exclusive illustrated silhouette design and quarter-fine leather binding. This edition will be housed in a clothbound rigid slipcase with letterpress printed ornamental details. Bookbinder, Roger Grech, has been a printmaker and bookbinder for over 30 years. With a dedication to detail and design, Roger is a master of working on projects where sequential and narrative content lent itself to the book form.

Collector’s Edition (Print run of 2,500) Three-piece bradle-bound case featuring four-color art; cloth spine with hot metal press printed label, and exclusive two-color art on the endpapers. Each will be housed in a rigid acrylic slipcase with laser-etched trimmings.

Macmillan's plan for Fablelistik Editions reminds me of the legendary Limited Editions Club. Beginning in 1929 (exquisite timing), it survived not only the ensuing years, but all the way to 2010. Through much of that time, they issued 12 titles a year, all fine press editions of great books, that generated a loyal following. Though gone many years, their books still have a loyal following of collectors and the books have become quite valuable today. Quality printed books have retained their appeal even as new communication technologies have taken us to the era of the internet and electronic books. With a minimum of seven books planned for 2025, the next to be introduced on December 3, 2024, Fablelistik looks poised to fill the gap that has been missing since the Limited Editions Club faded away.

The three editions of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow are now available for pre-order at FablelistikEditions.com.