San Francisco printer elevates custom of hand-crafted e-book publishing

SAN FRANCISCO — Nestled in San Francisco’s Presidio is a spot the place the clang of century-old equipment tells a story of a distinct time. 

“There’s a sense of honor, I feel, in carrying ahead a craft that’s actually one of many few splendid applied sciences that has ever been invented,” mentioned Arion Press inventive director and lead printer Blake Riley. 

 Arion Press is the final printing firm within the nation the place books are crafted completely by hand from starting to finish. 

 “Our curiosity is in actually excavating and uncovering not simply textual content however the story behind the textual content,” Riley mentioned. 

Riley and his staff produce solely three titles per 12 months, every with a restricted run of about 300 copies. These meticulously designed books take months to finish and might promote for as much as $10,000.

The end result: museum-quality books certain to make an impression. 

For instance, Arion’s Edgar Allan Poe assortment features a cowl created by artisan John Sullivan that incorporates a bust of the creator made with crushed bricks from Poe’s residence. 

Woodworker Jonathan Anzalone created a field for Sea of Cortez, constituted of the boat John Steinbeck sailed aboard. 

As of late, Riley is placing the ultimate touches on Octavia Butler’s 1979 traditional Kindred, with paintings from famend sculptor Alison Saar.  

Priced at $1,300, Arion’s clientele embody libraries, museums and collectors like Melinda Hightower, a banker from San Francisco, who just lately joined the corporate’s board of administrators.  

“For me, it is seeing nice classics reimagined,” she mentioned. “Once you check out every version there are 5,000 hours that go into every e-book.”

Arion’s subsequent mission is a set of Aesop’s Fables, the corporate’s most formidable mission but. 

Riley says the enduring demand for hand-printed books speaks volumes. 

“That form of tactile expertise is one thing I feel persons are hard-wired to go looking out,” he mentioned.