Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson - Lettered State

$2,995.00 USD
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This is a preorder with an expected ship date of October 2024.


Our signed, limited edition of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is published in three states: Standard, Deluxeand Lettered.

Every copy is signed by artist Marc Castelli.


Embark on a journey through the pages of history with the Conversation Tree Press fine press edition of Treasure Island, a timeless adventure that has captivated readers for generations. Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel is not just a tale of buccaneers and buried gold—it is a foundational piece that has profoundly shaped the course of literature and popular culture.

Our fine press edition is a tribute to this seminal work. It offers both fans and new readers alike a chance to experience Stevenson’s masterpiece in a format that befits its legendary status. This edition is not just a book; it is a treasure chest of adventure, waiting to be opened and discovered anew.


ABOUT THE SEA CHEST

The Lettered state of ‘Treasure Island is encased in a chest designed to mimic that of Captain Bones, where the map leading to Treasure Island was discovered. Crafted primarily from solid oak, with the exception of the base that features oak veneer, this chest faithfully replicates the seamens chests of the era depicted in the novel. Some important features include:

- Sides that slope inward, effectively lowering the center of gravity to enhance stability and prevent tipping.
- Hinges mounted on the inside, resulting in a flat top surface that offers comfortable seating.
- Runners at the bottom, elevating the base of the chest above the ground, safeguarding it from moisture and reducing the risk of damage.

The final design of the chest will be identical to the prototype, with the addition of the letter B stamped on the top, in homage to the mark found on Captain Boness chest.


LETTERED STATE:

  • Limited to 26 copies inscribed A-Z.
  • Handbound by Ludlow Bookbinders in the finest Harmatan and Oakridge leathers, featuring multiple onlays in different colours that create a topographic map of the island and surrounding areas. 
  • Letterpress-printed on smooth, luxurious Liber Charta 170gsm (120lb) paper, a new mouldmade paper developed by John Purcell Paper. It exemplifies the best qualities of the now-discontinued Zerkall paper and has quickly become the top choice for printers and wood engravers alike.
  • The head and tail bands are meticulously sewn in by hand and the top edge is gilded. Hand-marbled paper is used for the endsheets, featuring a custom design from Freya Scott at Paperwilds, inspired by the endpapers used in a 1745 binding of The History of England by Mr. Rapin de Thoyras held at the Nostell Priory. 
  • The book is housed in a custom made solid oak chest, modelled after those used by seamen at the time.
  • Each copy will be signed by artist Marc Castelli; Pat Randle and Ellen Bills, the printers; and the binder from Ludlow Bookbinders who bound this specific copy.
  • Trim size of 240mm by 340mm (9.5in by 13.4in).
  • 186 pages with text set in two columns.
  • Includes a new introduction by Dr. Caroline Howitt and three essays by the author: How This Book Came To Be, A Gossip on Romance, and The Persons of the Tale.
  • 52 pen and ink drawings printed letterpress.

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