John Crombie — Le Message

Paris , Kickshaws, 2006. First edition. Paperback. A vanishingly scarce book from the unique French private press Kickshaws, this being one of just twenty-six copies. A vanishingly scarce book from the French private press, Kickshaws, founded and ran by John Crombie and Sheila Bourne. Limited to just 26 copies lettered A-Z. This copy is letter X. Based in Paris, the press was founded in 1979 by Crombie as a vehicle for his literary and design aspirations. He and Bourne (who often creates artwork for the books), have printed by hand and published more than 150 small books, all of which are unique in their type designs, formats and binding styles.This book utilises one of their commonly found comb-bindings, which allows the leaves to be folded and refolded in different sequences. The text of this book humorously repeats the phrase 'Vous n'avez aucun nouveau message' (You have no new messages), and on the odd occasion appears with something different. In the original spiral-bound paperback. Externally, lovely, with minimal signs of wear. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages. Fine . Ill.: Sheila Bourne. Fine .