Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land

Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land by John Graves, Alfred A. Knopf, 1980.

Winner of the Jury Prize for Binding, The Helen Warren DeGolyer American Bookbinding Competition, Bridwell Library, Southern Methodist University, 2009. Full goatskin fine binding: sewn on flattened cords laced into boards, covered using Paul Delrue’s Lacunose technique. Goatskin onlay and inlaid lines. Additional lines incised freehand with Ascona tool. Leather joint, suede flyleaves, green textured machine-made Japanese paper doublures. Hand sewn silk headbands, gilt top edge. Title gold stamped. Bound 2009.

8.5 x 6 x 1.5"

Memoir of author’s experiences on his Texas farm, the history of the area, and his efforts to rehabilitate the depleted land. Design inspired by topographic maps, satellite photos and author’s sketch of the farm.