Item 2 is The Books of WAD, by Dwight Agner, published in 1974. The odd title is explained by “WAD” being W.A. Dwiggins. Dwiggins was a type and book designer, as well as an illustrator. He came from an advertising background, which helps explain the flair in his designs. This item is a bibliography of the books he designed. $150.
Here is one of those books “WAD” designed: Towards a Reform of the Paper Currency, published in 1932. This is not a book devoted to the Federal Reserve, monetary supply, or such esoteric matters of fiscal policy. It is focused on the appearance of paper currency, postage, and tax stamps, using samples from a mythical country. This copy is one of 452 published by the Limited Editions Club and signed by Dwiggins. Item 16. $600.
We will close with a very odd item, though it is definitely an example of works on paper. Item 29 is a green sun hat, created this year by Diane Jacobs. It is 19 inches in diameter and 7 inches high. It is woven from letterpress printed strips of pale green paper. Printed on the strips is a long list of slang and derogatory words used to describe women. Ms. Jacobs spent three years asking friends, relatives and strangers, along with consulting dictionaries, to find the most insulting words they had been called. She has created nine hats since 1998, and has written, “In this body of work I intend to expose the tenacious, white, patriarchal power structure by using language as my witness.” This hat is probably more suitable for a woman, as a man wearing it might be misunderstood. $1,400.
The Veatchs Arts of the Book may be reached at 413-584-1867 or veatchs@veatchs.com. Their website is www.veatchs.com.
