Update 9/1/08
We’re still in production. Here’s what’s happened since the last update: It had become clear over the spring that about one fourth of the digital art files were not of sufficient density to support all of our uses of them. So it was essential that we arrange to have new, higher-density digital photographs taken of some of the art, which also gave us the opportunity to add a few additional Milton works to the pool of amazing art we are drawing on for the book. In June and July, photographer Richard Nicol spent several long days at Davidson Galleries in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district, taking close to 500 photographs of fifteen Milton artworks. Many of Milton’s works are quite large, and contain myriad small details, which Richard documented minutely. I am very grateful to him for his fine work, and to the good folks at Davidson Galleries for their extraordinary assistance on this project. If you’re in Seattle, go to Davidson Galleries if you can and check out their great Milton collection and all the other fine art they have.
In late July I spent several days in New Haven Connecticut, assisting Harold Bloom as he signed over 450 sheets for the Lettered and Numbered editions of Little, Big. Harold had a triple bypass a few years ago, and at 78 he’s not quite as chipper as once he was. But he was a real trooper, and got those sheets signed in two four-hour sessions in as many days. It was an honor and a pleasure spending time with him and his wife Jeanne in their home.
Everyone but John Crowley has signed the sheets, which are now in his hands, awaiting his signatures and inscriptions.
Art placements for Edgewood, Brother North-wind’s Secret, and Old Law Farm are all but final. Art for the second half of the book is still being chosen and placed, but much of it is already mapped out.
A month or so ago a customer sent me an email that quoted Hofstadter’s Law, which I didn’t recall having read before, though I know the phenomenon it describes as well as anyone.
Hofstadter’s Law reads: “It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take Hofstadter’s Law into account.”
That said, I nevertheless feel confident that everyone will have their books in hand before Christmas. That’s my goal.
Again, my thanks for your patience and continuing support.
Best Wishes,
Ron Drummond