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California State Library, California History Room

Joe D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs

California State Library, California History Room

Joseph J. D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs, circa 1974-2003, undated

Title:

Joe D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs

Identifier: cams0018

Dates: circa 1974-2003, undated

Creators: D'Ambrosio (1934-2009), Sperisen, Albert, 1908-1999, Strong, Gary E. (1944), Kurutz, Gary F., 1948-2025, and California State Library. Foundation

Abstract:

Collection comprises correspondence, art cuts, sketches, models for books, renderings, work drafts, ephemera, and photographs created by or related to the work of noted American book artist Joe D'Ambrosio (1934-2009) between approximately 1974 and 2003. D'Ambrosio was one of America's most significant 20th-century book artists, producing in the course of his professional career 92 books as well as ephemera, broadsides, and designs for logos, murals, and sculptural/architectural projects.

Extent:

5.17 Linear Feet 3 flat oversized boxes and 2 legal-sized archival document boxes

Language: English .

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Joe D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs, cams0018, California History Room, California State Library, Sacramento, California.

BACKGROUND

Scope and content:

Collection comprises correspondence, art cuts, sketches, models for books, renderings, work drafts, ephemera, and photographs created by or related to the work of noted American book artist Joe D'Ambrosio (1934-2009) between approximately 1974 and 2003. Series 1 contains art materials in a variety of formats used by D'Ambrosio in the course of his work, including paper and plaster or clay models, preliminary or trial versions of miniature books, wood cuts or plates, and paper cutouts.

Series 2 contains family-related correspondence, Christmas cards, and professional correspondence between D'Ambrosio and the California State Library; the California State Library Foundation; Albert Sperisen of the Book Club of California; Councilmember Tom Stollard of Woodland, California; Clark Wang; and photographer Mark Chester. This series also contains a variety of personal papers and ephemera, including notes and a notebook, announcements and invitations, newsletters and keepsake prints from organizations such as the Alliance for Contemporary Arts and the Book Club of California, and exhibition broadsides and posters. Also included are project files containing sketches, notes, and other ephemeral materials documenting a number of D'Ambrosio's works.

Series 3 consists of 110 black-and-white and color prints ranging from 3.5x5-inches to 8.5x11-inches. Photographs relate primarily to D'Ambrosio's projects for the California State Library as well as some of his artist books.

Biographical / historical:

Joe D'Ambrosio (1934 - 2009) was one of America's most significant 20th-century book artists, producing in the course of his professional career 92 books as well as ephemera, broadsides, and designs for logos, murals, and sculptural/architectural projects. He lived for some years in Chicago, where he acquired an education in the arts and engineering, spending time as a student at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology (where he studied engineering, a field the artist deemed the biggest asset to his work as a book artist). While in Chicago he trained in letterpress printing with the printer Elmore Mundell of Portage, Indiana, with whom he produced a number of works. D'Ambrosio began his career as a book artist in 1969, a decade prior to his move to Southern California in 1979. He wrote, set type by hand, printed his own letterpress designs, illustrated, and bound his books himself; any book with the D'Ambrosio imprint was either handmade or printed on an antique press, and he was known for using a wide range of materials in his books, from feathers to dyed paper. In the artist's own words, "I strive to bring all the facets of book making (including making the paper in some cases) together to form one object, which requires the reader to bring all of the pieces together to understand the whole" (D'Ambrosio, 1989).

D'Ambrosio was well-connected to the fine press community both in California and beyond. He was a member of the Book Club of California, who awarded him the Oscar Lewis Award for contributions to the Book Arts in 2005. Correspondence in this collection indicates that he maintained a friendship with Albert Sperison, librarian of the Book Club of California from the 1950s until his death in 1999. D'Ambrosio also referred to individuals such as actress/visual artist/printer Gloria Stuart and fine press printer/book designer Ward Ritchie in his public writings about his work and career. His writing was published in publications such as Matrix: A Review for Printers and Bibliophiles (Whittington Press), the California State Library Foundation's periodical Bulletin, and his own self-published newsletter that he began after relocating from California to Arizona, Artists' books reviews (2000-2007).

D'Ambrosio had a long-standing relationship with the California State Library, as demonstrated in the materials in this collection. He was a California State Library Foundation Fellow in the early 1990s and worked closely with Gary Kurutz (1948-2025), Principal Librarian Emeritus of Special Collections of the California State Library from 1980-2017, and former State Librarian (from 1980-1994) Gary E. Strong (1944-) to ensure the regular donation of his finished books as well as preliminary drawings, proofs and samples, correspondence, and molds, cuts, and other art materials to the library's collection. He also worked to develop and implement a number of major projects for the library in the 1990s, including the design of the lobby floor of the State Library and Courts II building at 900 N Street in Sacramento and the triptych project celebrating the 150th anniversary of the California State Library in 2000.

D'Ambrosio's work appears in both private and institutional collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and has been exhibited in both solo and group shows. His work was also displayed at the California State Library in a 2015 exhibition, "Joe D'Ambrosio: The Book as an Art Form."

D'Ambrosio passed away in 2009 from cancer.

SourcesD'Ambrosio, Joe. 1989. "A Maverick in a Printing Office: D'Ambrosio on D'Ambrosio." Matrix 9: v–viii.

William Ashley, William. 2026. "Joe D'Ambrosio: Book Artist." Accessed July 15, 2026. https://joedambrosiobookartist.com/.

Gary Kurutz. August 6, 2015. "Joe D'Ambrosio: The Book as an Art Form." California State Library Foundation. Accessed July 15, 2026. cslfdn.org/2015/08/06/joe-dambrosio-the-book-as-an-art-form/.

Acquisition information:

Materials were donated at irregular intervals in 1992, 1993, 1994, and 2014 by book artist Joseph D'Ambrosio with some correspondence donated by Gary Strong (State Librarian) and Albert Sperisen.

Processing information: Processed by Marissa Friedman in 2026.

Arrangement:

Collection is arranged into three series: Series 1. Art Materials, Series 2. Papers, and Series 3: Photographs. Series 1 has been arranged in alphabetical order based on project name or subject. Series 2 has been arranged alphabetically by either correspondent name (for the correspondence) or by subject or project title. Series 3 is arranged alphabetically by project title or subject.

RELATED RESOURCES

Related material:

See Joe D'Ambrosio and William Ashley correspondence (casmcii0009) for additional material. The California State Library also holds over fifty of Joe D'Ambrosio's published artist books and other works. These works are discoverable in the library's catalog and are available to view in the California History Section reading room.

INDEXED TERMS

Subjects:

Artists' books -- 20th century

Book design

Artists

Book artists

Mural painting and decoration

Sculpture

Miniature books

Printing--History

Block printing -- 20th century

Libraries

California State Library -- History

Photographic prints

Ephemera

Printed ephemera

Correspondence

Sketches

Artists' materials

ABOUT THIS COLLECTION GUIDE

Collection Guide Author:

Marissa Friedman

Date Encoded: This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-09-25 14:48:08 +0000 .

ACCESS AND USE

Restrictions:

Unrestricted. Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. Copyright has not been assigned to California State Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing. Permission for publication is given on behalf of California State Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Location of this collection:

California State Library, California History Room

900 N Street, Room 200, P.O. Box 942837

Sacramento, CA 94237-0001, US

Contact:

(916) 654-0176

cslcal@library.ca.gov

Website

Collection Contents

Series 1: Art materials

Scope and content:

Series comprises printing plates for Birds in Paradise (1984), Daises Never Tell (1982), Old Wine, Fine Wine? (1990), and Art Deco (1987); unidentified paper cut-outs, paper molds, as well as six plaster or clay molds; different versions of D'Ambrosio's miniature books An Imperfect Solution and Perfect Solution (1997); a damaged preliminary model for the Floral Wealth (1994) triptych panel designed for the California State Library's 150th anniversary; and a printing plate featuring D'Ambrosio's design for the Gary Strong keepsake broadside (1994).

Box 1 envelopes

14 plates
27 plates ? Oaxaca
11 plates
12 plates
(Folder) 2 plates
Box with Floral Wealth statue
6 plates
17 plates

Box 2

Folder 1 Birds in Paradise art draft

Folder 2 Poppies drafts

Folder 3 Gary Strong appreciation broadside

Box “An Imperfect solution” two states of mold with note about 4th state

Box with three versions of The Perfect Solution and one of An Imperfect Solution

Box with 5 Birds in Paradise metal plates

Box “unidentified mold” that looks like cover of The Small Garden of Gloria Stuart

Box with 5 papers from molds for David

Box with 13 metal and 1 vinyl plate for Old Wine, Fine Wine? Art Deco, Daisies Never Tell

Envelope with printing plate for Gary Strong appreciation

Box 3

5 items 5 molds for David.

Series 2: Papers

Specific D'Ambrosio works represented in this series include Birds in Paradise (1984), The Books of Francois-Louis Schmied (1987), Daisies Never Tell (1982), David (1992), The Mookse and the Gripes (1977), Not Quite Bernadette (1990), Oaxaca (1996), and Shanghai (1987)/. D'Ambrosio's California State Library (CSL) projects are also extensively documented here, including his work on the library's 150th anniversary triptych panels, the lobby floor design for 900 N Street, and CSL bookplate (circa 1990s).

The notebook in this series contains a large number of loose notes, drafts of text, correspondence (including a letter from David Michael Solomon), and other ephemeral materials that have been left as is to preserve the original context.

Series also includes oversized materials stored in Box 2, including material related to the California Poppy Ornament (part of D'Ambrosio's CSL Anniversary work) and a copy of his Gary E. Strong appreciation broadside (1994).

Box 4, Folder 1

Albert Sperisen correspondence, 1988-1992, some undated

32 Letters from Joe to Albert, one from Albert to Joe, several page letter from Gloria Stuart to Albert on paper with flowers that was made by Joe.

plus 17 notes and cards

Folder 2

Book Club of California correspondence, 1987-1989

4 letters.

Folder 3

California State Library Foundation correspondence, 1992-1994

8 letters.

Folder 4

D'Ambrosio family correspondence, 1974-1987, undated

5 cards.

Folder 5

Gary Kurutz correspondence, 1990-2003, undated

11 Letters with attached article on Clark Library, preliminary drawings for floor.

5 cards.

, Folder 6

Gary E. Strong correspondence, 1990-1991

7 Letters with several Ex Libris bookplates attached

Card from Gary to Joe and letter from Cy Silver about project

Folder 7

Mark Chester and Clark Wang correspondence, 1986

Design notes (3)

From MC pc 8-30-86

MC Eyeglasses portfolio sent 8-30-86

Letter from Clark Wong 12-22-86 with attached card and translation, letter from DA12-24-86

Folder 8 Other assorted correspondence, 1989-1991

From J Larson 7-27-89

From Jack Bord 7-11-89

Cy Silver 6-7-91

To :Yuan Tsai and Richard Kozono, 10-16-91

To Yuan Tsai 9-10-91 with floor plan

Return envelopes Arundel and Joseph the Provider

Folder 9

Tom Stallard correspondence and business card, 1993-1994, undated

His card: City of Woodland and Fulfillment of a concept card

David Prospecetus

Letter from DA 10-3-94

Folder 10

Abracadabera Newsletter, Alliance for Contemporary Arts, 1988

Founded by Joseph D’Ambrosio, Les Ferriss, Scott Freutel, Luci Goodman, Tyrus Harmsen, Susan King, Gerald Lange, Barbara Pascal, Robin Price, Patrick Reagh, Ward Ritchie, Jaime Robles, and Gloria Stuart.

4-1-88 — First issue. Type-Faces: Ward Ritchie, Amando Blanco's photographic essay about Ward Ritchie, has been announced by Santa Susana Press at California State University, Northridge. Designed and produced by Joseph D'Ambrosio, it is scheduled for May publication.

9-1-88 issue #2 includes announcement of celebration of publication of Typefaces at the Oviatt Library, June 17, with picture of Ward Ritchie and Lawrence Clark Powell.

Folder 11

Announcements and Invitations, 1974-1990, undated

Muses prospectus

Anamorphosis of Eve reception 9-15-74 J&S fine books 5 3/4 x4 3/4 inches

Leaf of the first of may reception 5-15-88 Lorson’s and prospectus

19 years and counting exhibition pc - 3 copies

Book Collectors club 10th anniversary 11-19-89

SBCC 20 years and counting pc 5-11-90

D”Ambrosio at the Newberry

Folder 12

Articles, 1991-1999, undated

Is it a Book or is it Art 9 pages

Is it a Book or is it Art? 12 pages 2nd draft

Off print of Matrix 11 The Compulsive printer…

CA State Library Foundation Bulletin #36

Signature of A Memoir of Book Design pp. 185–200

Folder 13,

Birds in Paradise, circa 1984

B/W photo of opened cover

1 page Note with (5)

Production notes

Page mock ups

Poem

Poem 1st page

Printed text

Notes

5 Card of colored Japanese art: Winter changing to Spring, Cranes with their little ones, Cranes on screen:Japan — 17th century, Autumn changing to Winter, Silver pheasants on a river-bank.

Folder 14

Book Club of California Keepsakes, 1987-1990

75th Anniversary keepsakes no Joe

California Avifauna — 12 parts

Folder 15

Art Deco circa 1987

Prints of plates

3 sheets with photocopy

Folder 16

California State Library project files (Triptych, lobby floor design, bookplate), circa 1991-2000

64 pages including Celebration poster 8 x 11 3/4 inches

Box 5

Folder 1

Daisies Never Tell, poster reduced size circa 1982

Folder 2

David by D'Ambrosio and David Michael Solomon

1. Address card, 2. David by D'Ambrosio prospectus, 3. Drawing of David, 4. mockup of pages from book, 5. 2 page letter from Solomon to D’Ambrosio 2-13-92, 5. Printed poem by Solomon with 5 stanzas, 6. six stanzas of same poem by Solomon — edited, 7. Sketch of where to place stanzas of poem in book, 8. Stanzas 7 and 8 with edits, 9. Printed poem by Solomon with 8 stanzas, 10. Printed poem by Solomon with 5 stanzas, right justified, 11. Printed poem by Solomon with 5 stanzas, centered on paper, 12. Financial report for Solomons 1991 for David, Isaiah, Jack and /or Natalie with line for Southwest Savings and Loan, 13. Michelagniolo Self portrait sheet, 14 Envelope from ISGO LEPEJIAN photolab, Burbank.

Folder 3

Footprints in the Snow Christmas card, circa 1982-1985

Folder 4

Language of the Land exhibition broadside, 12 x 8 inches, 1995

Folder 5

The Mookse and the Gripes, 1977 — bibliography info

Folder 6

1. Release from David Solomon to use poem: “A Way,” 2. Approximately 80 pages of notes, drawing and prints associated with David Book, some tucked in a 58 page Notebook that has the text of Joe’s story that is in David, handwritten with corrections.

Folder 7

Not Quite Bernadette by Charles Bukowski,

1. Prospectus, 2, Approximately 56 pages of info, notes and drawings associated with production of prospectus and book, 3. Letter to Bell Type and Rule for monotyping, 4. Mailing envelope from Princeton with Bukowski written on it. circa 1990

Folder 8

Oaxaca (rejected version), 4 printed pages, circa 1996

Folder 9

Sacramento Book Collector's Club letterpress ephemera, 1991-1993

1. Flying up to Sacramento

2. Pity the Poor man from Lodi

3. Stanzas in Terza-Rimsa with notes

Folder 10

Shanghai production notes - Mark Chester, circa 1987

Folder 11

Amalgamated Printers' Association group portrait, 1986

One 8x10-inch color photograph of members of the Amalgamated Printers' Association meeting in Austin, Texas, May 30-31 and June 1, 1986. All 54 participants are identified by name in a typewritten caption on verso of image. Accompanied by sticky note with message from D'Ambrosio: "Happy New Year, Gary - Someone sent this to me. It belongs in an archive. Gloria [Stuart] & Ward [most likely Ritchie] in 1986. - Joe"

Folder 12

California State Library, 900 N St. lobby floor, 1993

Twenty-six 4x6-inch color photographs of the construction of the lobby floor at 900 N Street, California State Library. Accompanied by handwritten letter from Joe to "Gary" that identifies the workers featured in the photographs as Julio, José, and Jesus.

Folder 13

Comprises nine 3.5x5-inch color photographs and 25 5x7-inch black-and-white photographs of the Triptych project statues at the California State Library building at 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California. Accompanied by a 1990 handwritten letter from "Gary" to Joe D'Ambrosio.

Folder 14

Comprises 20 3x6-inch black-and-white photographs of a nude man (duplicates) and one 8.5x11-inch black-and-white sheet of contact prints of the same image. Model is identified as David Michael Solomon and photographs relate to D'Ambrosio's 1990 work David. circa 1992

Folder 15

Dedication of the California State Library and Courts II (900 N Street), 1994 October 19

Four 4x6-inch color photographs from the dedication of the California State Library and Courts II building at 900 N Street, Sacramento, California. Contains two exterior views of the building, one photograph of participants in the lobby, and another group shot of individuals peering at an open bound book.

Folder 16

One 3.5x5-inch color photograph of D'Ambrosio's 1991 work, "Herakleitos," as identified by handwritten caption on verso of print. Handwritten caption reads: "Herakleitos" binding by D'Ambrosio (1991). Natural linen and mosaic inlays of crushed venetian colored glass - pages sewn to acrylic rods on spine; Black clam-shell box."

Folder 17

Four 3.5x5-inch color photographs of artists' book Les Grandes Merveilles d'Amour (1992).

Folder 18

One 3.5x5-inch color photograph of the cover of D'Ambrosio's 1977 art book of James Joyce's The Mookse and the Gripes.

Folder 19

Ten 3.5x5-inch black-and-white photographs of illustrations with handwritten captions from D'Ambrosio's 1989 version of Not Quite Bernadette by Charles Bukowski.

Folder 20

Three 3.5x5-inch color photographs relating to 1992 artist book of Winesburg, Ohio, by Sherwood Anderson. Includes photographs of the book cover and interior pages, as well as a photograph of a bookshelf holding a tin can, books, and a plant (included as it was originally found with the photographs of the artist book).

Folder 21

Two 3.5x5-inch color photographs of the interior pages of an unidentified artist book on a white display stand in room.

Joe D'Ambrosio and William Ashley correspondence, circa 1977-1993

Collection comprises 27 letters between book artist Joe D'Ambrosio and William Ashley, two photographs, one newspaper clipping, and one newsletter, dating between 1977 and 2000. Correspondence primarily includes discussion of D'Ambrosio's various publications, projects, and workshops. Other subjects include and article Ashley wrote on Charles Bukowski as well his plans to create an in-depth bibliography to catalog D'Ambrosio's works.

There is a letter from Joe to Elinor of May 29, 1977.

Cal State University Northridge CSUN

Collaborative Projects

Fine Press Prints, Broadsides, and Ephemera Collection, 1934-2010, bulk 1975-1993

1. Santa Susana, Broadsides folder 11:

Twilight of Orthodoxy, drawn draft, 4 artist proofs, 14/60, 24/60, 37/60, 40/60, 41/60, 42/60.

Typefaces: 13/65, 19/65, 36/65.

Old Wine, Fine Wine: 22/100, 25/100.

Five Poems, 26/100 (catalog lists one more)

Invitation, "A GARDEN PARTY: Honoring WARD RITCHIE On his Seventy-Fifth Birthday", 1980

plus 9 other broadside not associated with D'Anbrosio

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c88053tw_aspace_478c2726776419425c7aba34f40ce533

2. D’Ambrosio, Joe, Box 2, Folder 1,

Al Aaraff prospectus.

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c88053tw_aspace_35108d9df619ed9b5a2514a6e6999d1f

3. Miscellaneous items:

"The Book as an Art Form" by Joe D'Ambrosio, 1983, Folder 6, Item 11, broadside

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c88053tw_aspace_e7b68aa2aec29310d6b9a321f06fdcf4

"The Book as an Art Medium" by Joe D'Ambrosio, 1983, Folder 6, Item 12, broadside

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c88053tw_aspace_5c3b3be30301650939006f873d797d7d

Clark Memorial Library, UCLA

Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9A

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on December 23, 1984 here is a can of ink that is the blackest of black. Also $25. for copy of This Body I Wear… Happy New Year.

2. Han

Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9A

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on December 23, 1984 here is a can of ink that is the blackest of black. Also $25. for copy of This Body I Wear… Happy New Year.

2. Handwritten letter D’Ambrosio to Ritchie October 6, 1984. I hope you can continue to perform the “Black Arts” I now have a studio in Phoenix just finished a miniature book: Magic. Just started work on another extravaganza that I hope doesn’t take six years to complete the desert here is lovely unlike Palm Springs…

3. Manuscript for A Maverick a printing shop by Ritchie with corrections. Dated 1/6/89. Five pages.

4. Another copy of Maverick in a printing shop by Ritchie, with more corrections than the one above. Not dated. Five pages.

5. Manuscript of second draft of, is it a book, or is it Art? By D’Ambrosio, alternate title Artist Books: The Controversy Continues…. 12 pages, a few corrections.

6. Offprint of Matrix 11 with the Compulsive Printer of Portage, Indiana, by D’Ambrosio. Note inside cover: to my good friend, Ward, Ritchie — [underlinedsignature] Joe D’Ambrosio. Also signed on the first page. tipped in photo of Ward Ritchie, and Margaret Dickerson taken on 10/24/91 at historical Society of Southern California by Suzanne Huddleston.

7. Artists of the Book 1988, A Facet of Modernism. The Catalogue of an Exhibition held at the Boston Athenœum June 15 through August 19, 1988. Note inside cover: “For Gloria – See bottom of page 10, page 19, and page 24. All the best! [underline signature] Joe D’Ambrosio.” Small garden of Gloria Stuart mentioned on page 10, picture of Small Garden of Gloria Stuart on page 19, section 22 and title Joe D’Ambrosio about Joe and the Small Garden of Gloria Stuart on pages 24 and 25.

8. CA State Library Bulletin #32 - July 1990—Summer exhibits: on D’Ambrosio exhibit in California Room with photos of 4 books in article, Small Garden of Gloria Stuart on cover and photo of Joe on back cover.

9. CA State Library Bulletin #36 - July 1991—Article on Triptych and photo on back cover.

10. CA State Library Bulletin #46 - January 1994—Letters in Terrazzo will greet library users by D’Ambrosio.

pages 16–21.

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Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9B

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 8-22-87 on paper with imbedded leaves [rejected experiment] [Thank you for being at birthday and for copy of Austin Speech]

2. D'AMBROS

Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9B

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 8-22-87 on paper with imbedded leaves [rejected experiment] [Thank you for being at birthday and for copy of Austin Speech]

2. D'AMBROSIO AT THE NEWBERRY invitation— 1992

3. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on folded deckled paper 1-1-91 [Thank you for copy of A Late offering of Quince..]

4. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 1-31-91 [Thank you notes G&A buying Gloria’s and his book…]

5. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 2-23-91 on commercial card [Thank you for Chinese dinner, have Carroll Coleman keepsake I will give later…]

6. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on commercial Santa Claus Card, no date [Thank you for miniature book….]

7. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on card with 2 intertwined flowers with roots spelling out GLORIA & WARD 8-22-89 [thank you]

8. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Gloria Stuart on commercial Christmas card 12-18-89 [Thank you for warm party, hope the NY finds friendship grower ever strong and your brilliance never waning

9. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie on Joe’s 1994 card There Can Be No Peace Without Sharing [Happy Season, Getting tons of work done in my desert “exile,” wait ‘till you see what’s coming next—that is if I can work out the “bugs” in the binding structure. This card printed on Vandercook from hand made paper plates, while the inside was laxer printed. Albert tells me the Grabhorns used the paper plate method long ago, Happy New Year[

10.Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio on commercial Dog Christmas card [Happee and Joe D’Ambrosio wish you the best of the Holiday Season with pink paw print] Sprite Lea Happee Freya Australian Terrier Sprite Lea Kennels.

11. Twenty Years and Counting slide show and lecture 5-11-90 on 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch postcard. On verso: American Papermaking 1690 -1990 Rittenhouse paper mill circa 1770 [watermark]. This watermark appears on the first paper made in the United States on this site in 1690.

12. NINETEEN YEARS AND COUNTING prospectus— 1989 5 x 3 1/2 inches opens to 7 1/2 x 9 inches.

13. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 2-27-89 on paper with imbedded pedals and stems [thank you, both dinner and Schmied books overwhelmed me…]

14. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Gloria Stuart 11-25-88 on paper with imbedded pedals and stems [thank you, for Thanksgiving dinner..tears for you painfully long awaited book, and watching Ward’s face beam with admiration for you as he scrutinize your fulfilled Jeffers’ Book, — How fortunate I am.. Love, Joe]

15. A LEAF FROM THE FIRST OF MAY prospectus and invitation – 1988

16. Popup thank you card 8-26-88 4 1/2 x 6 1/4 [Thank you for making my 54th birthday party a wonderful event. I was speechless when I opened your gift. I hope you will be leased with the way I bind it. Thank you for your bibliography and thank you for your friendship. Sincerely Joe D’Ambrosio]

17. Commercial popup thank you to Gloria and Ward 3/12/’91 [Thank you…Gloria you were so radiantly beautiful sitting up there answering questions with wit and alacrity, like a true "Queen" before her subjects. you deserve all the accolades, and I don't know why I am so fortunate to have crossed paths with you both, but keep the joy coming. Love you both —Joe]

18. Typed letter signed Bonnie Thompson to Ward Ritchie 6-18-95. [90th birthday congratulations…]

19. Typed letter signed from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 8/8/85 [thank you for new book…will be in San Francisco Friday, business, relaxation Colophon club and The HandBookbinders association .. Japanese four-need binding to Emily Woodward…Thank you for A Tale of Two Books…]

20. Typed letter signed from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 5/6/86 [thank you for 450 pound paper cutter…You are well aware of the financial difficulties in trying to make a living at what we do…I am 5l years old and still see no signs of financial gain on the horizon even after sixteen years of work in this field. I am overwhelmed with the many positive reactions that my work is receiving lately, but my financial situation does not seem to improve…]

21. THE COMPULSIVE PRINTER OF PORTAGE, INDIANA by D’Ambrosio manuscript 10 pages, no corrections

22. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 8/20/90 [Thank you for birthday evening…I will add the miniature book you gave me to my collection -or should I say my "retirement fund." But, I am getting o be a genuine collector, I guess, and would not part with my books under any circumstances.

23. Handwritten letter from D’Ambrosio to Ward Ritchie 10/20/88 [Herewith is a copy of my share of the article on me for John Randle. Gloria thought I should send it to you so you will have a better idea of what to write to tie it all together. Notice, I use the Laguna Verde binding as an example, planting a seed that it is imminent and available. (Not the binding — but the book, as it is a one-of-a-kind binding.). The “Ritchie” poster is done and soon I will get three copies to you. Norman hasn’t seen it yet—hopefully on Monday. And then — I go to San Francisco and will give a copy to Albert for the Book club.]

attached to:

24: D’Ambrosio on D’Ambrosio 2 pages with corrections

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Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9C

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. To Ward Ritchie Commercial Postcard 9/25/90 [Thank you for Chinese dinner…]

2. To Ward Ritchie Commercial popup Bird card [thank you for birthday party...but most of all thank you for yo

Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Correspondence C-D, D'Ambrosio, Joe

Box 115, Folder 9C

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref1893

1. To Ward Ritchie Commercial Postcard 9/25/90 [Thank you for Chinese dinner…]

2. To Ward Ritchie Commercial popup Bird card [thank you for birthday party...but most of all thank you for your understanding of human nature..]

3. Commercial Beefeater thank you 8/17/92 [thank you for birthday bash..and copy of “Land of Fact” and for the sheets..you know how much I like the cloth binding..I can improve upon it..possibly one of your finer design achievements.]

4. Clam-shell box workshop at CSL registration form 1992

5. Al Aaraaf by Edgar Allan Poe prospectus – 1995

6. THE FULFILLMENT OF A CONCEPTUAL NECESSITY postcard — 1994

7. Change of address card to 8719 E. Via De McCormick Road Scottsdale, AZ. 85258-3341

8. Thank you 1/1/93 [Thank you for copy of “Years Touched with Memories.”..Gary joins me in wish you a healthy and happy 1993]

9. Stanzas in Terza-Rima keepsake for the Sacramento Book Collectors Club – 1993 with postum: For your files. Happy Holidays

10. To Gloria Stuart 12/28/91 [Happy New Year! Welcome back…thank you for the gift of spirits.. Merlot! Chardonnay! Cabernet! Bourbon! Brandy!…]

11. Pity the Poor Man from Lodi,...keepsake for the Sacramento Book Collectors Club – 1992

12. A Celebration: 150 years, 1850-2000 A.D. for the California State Library – 1991

13. Ex Libris — CSL foundation Bookplate – 1991

14. Triptych — Romantic Wealth, card to order – 1992

15. Commercial Popup Burp card to Ward. [Getting acquainted with “brother” much more difficult than I anticipated but…

16. A Celebration: 150 years, 1850-2000 A.D. for the California State Library __/? – 1991 with note: For my good friend Ward Ritchie [signed]

17. handwritten note to Gloria and Ward 3/12/91 [Thank you fo ra wonderful evening…]

18. Photos Landacre & Quince for Gloria and VARIATIONS AND QUOTATIONS

19. Thank you on folded deckled paper to Ward 7/31/90 [Thank you for the in scribed copy of “The Typographic Bookplates of Ward Ritchie…dinner at Hamburger Hamlet..]

20. Photo Landacre & Quince

21. Envelope (empty) 8/24/87

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Ritchie (Ward) Papers, 1930-1996

Assorted speeches

B128/Folder 7: Some Rambling Recollections, A Maverick in a Printing Office (D'Ambrosio)

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8t1nb5m7_aspace_ref3467

Fine Press Ephemera Collection, about 1929-2025

D'Ambrosio, Joseph

Box 16

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt409nf148_aspace_d6212d562faeb17f21ae8e2179503b17

Not Quite Bernadette prospectus

Hagerstown Bookbinding and Printing Calendar for 1988 – 1987

An Imperfect Solution prospectus

D’Ambrosio, bio and price list– 1995

Joe: D'Ambrosio: 19

Fine Press Ephemera Collection, about 1929-2025

D'Ambrosio, Joseph

Box 16

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt409nf148_aspace_d6212d562faeb17f21ae8e2179503b17

Not Quite Bernadette prospectus

Hagerstown Bookbinding and Printing Calendar for 1988 – 1987

An Imperfect Solution prospectus

D’Ambrosio, bio and price list– 1995

Joe: D'Ambrosio: 1986 and beyond, 1986 done for exhibit at Whittier College– 1995

Footprints in the Snow Christmas card

NINETEEN YEARS AND COUNTING EXPOSITION at BCC postcard printed by Students of Richard Hoffman— 1989

Small Garden of Gloria Stuart prospectus

Invitation to Small Garden Party honoring Joe and newest book The Small Garden of Gloria Stuart printed by Gloria Stuart

First Leaf of May Prospectus and reception

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Gerry (Vance) and the Weather Bird Press Archive, 1962-2005, Notes for an article on pochoir for Joe D’Ambrosio, Box MS.2005.007 Bx 1, Folder 18

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf1g5003pv_aspace_de91e404049a494288bb85cc149e7bcc

Porchoir

In addition to Gerry Vance’s 7 page handwritten notes for an article on pochoir (using stenils to add color to images), there is a copy of Artists’ Books Reviews #11 with a note from Joe to Gerry stating: "Hi, Vance — An article on Pochoir would be nice - with one or two calor photos. Next closing date is July 1st. Jое.

Gerry’s article appeared in Artists’ Books Reviews #12.

The Huntington Library

Private press ephemera collection, 1462–2023

D’Ambrosio, Joseph, 1982 1985, Box 24, Folder 12:

1: 19 years and counting prospectus

2: Christmas tree card with three plates.

3: the collectors 10th anniversary

4: Sierra Jewels

5: State library celebration broadside

6 Olympus and Henriette prospectus

7: David prospectus

8: Notes from Orange County fr

Private press ephemera collection, 1462–2023

D’Ambrosio, Joseph, 1982 1985, Box 24, Folder 12:

1: 19 years and counting prospectus

2: Christmas tree card with three plates.

3: the collectors 10th anniversary

4: Sierra Jewels

5: State library celebration broadside

6 Olympus and Henriette prospectus

7: David prospectus

8: Notes from Orange County from Lorson books

9: Not quite Bernadette prospectus

10: 1986 and beyond from Caxton club

11: California state library, foundation bulletin number 32.

12: envelope containing Naomi and DAVID T

13: prospectus for small garden of Gloria Stuart

14: foot prints in the snow Christmas card

15: Al Aaraff prospectus

16: leaf Christmas card.

17: leaf from 1 May showing and prospectus from Lorson’s books

18: letter to Alan Jutzi with note from Gloria Stewart, and two photos of Ward Richie

19: 1982 bibliography with card and letter to Daniel Woodward at the Huntington

20: 1982 bibliography

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Plates used for Christmas tree postcard that were included in the envelope containing the Christmas card.

Attached to Naomi work of art.

Dear Mr. Godine

It is warmly accepted that those who are truly the finest in their field will acknowledge a fellow artist. I have lovely letters from important people around the world, to name drop Federico Fellini; Kay Ballard, a heads of many educational institutions, but noe from you, Sincerely, Joseph J. D;AmbrosioI

Front of leaf Christmas card.

Back of leaf Christmas card.

Letter from Gloria Stuart:

Joseph! I forgot to give thee these. What a Shame. The prestigious Artis is barely there! My humble apologies! The World's worst photographer. GS

photos of Ward Ritchie, 4-26-85

Letter to Alan Jutzi, 8-21-85

Gloria Stuart sent these photos to me which she took when Ward Ritchie sat for me so that I could do the block print for his 80th birthday. The photos were taken in her studio.

Since I believe that you have a file on Ward Ritchie, and one on me, I think these photos are far more important in your files than in

Letter to Alan Jutzi, 8-21-85

Gloria Stuart sent these photos to me which she took when Ward Ritchie sat for me so that I could do the block print for his 80th birthday. The photos were taken in her studio.

Since I believe that you have a file on Ward Ritchie, and one on me, I think these photos are far more important in your files than in my top dresser drawer. If you do not wish to keep them, please return them to me.

I have also enclosed the letter Gloria sent to me which further authenticates the photos.

I hope I will see you at The Burbank Hilton on Monday, September 1, for the national Miniature Book Conclave. Iwo of my recent works will debut there. One, a miniature by Ray Bradbury which I printed and bound for The Gold Stein Press, and, two, a special 25-copy edition of Carol Cunningham's new minäature book, LAND OF THE INCAS, which I have bound in an Incan temple (what else?). The Bradbury book is titled, LONG AFTER ECCLESIASTES, and I think it is going to be an important work.

Hope all is well, My work load continues to be mountainous•

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Letter to Daniel Woodward of November 28, 1982:

Thank you for taking the time to look at my new book, DAISIES NEVER TELL. It is always a pleasure to see you and your marvelous library.

Enclosed is a biography which has just been printed. I thought you would like to have one for your files.

If you need more copies, please let me know and I wi

Letter to Daniel Woodward of November 28, 1982:

Thank you for taking the time to look at my new book, DAISIES NEVER TELL. It is always a pleasure to see you and your marvelous library.

Enclosed is a biography which has just been printed. I thought you would like to have one for your files.

If you need more copies, please let me know and I will send them to you. I learned from one of my book dealers over this past weekend that I can now add University of California, Fullerton, to the list of major collections on the back of the biography.

Since I know that I will not have the time to make a card this season, I want to wish you a Happy Christmas and a joyous Holiday season.

Sincerely,

Joe D'Ambrosio

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UC Berkeley

Fine Print Records, circa 1950-1992, bulk 1974-1990

1. D’Ambrosio, Joseph - correspondence and printed ephemera, 1975-1989,

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt6q2nc0kt_x441261121828

Carton 3, Folder 34 correspondence:

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 8–6–75.

Announcing Mooksie and Gracehopper, 2 polaroids sent, available 9-1-75: $65.00...

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 8–17–75.

This is an artist proof. Available through me or: James C. Frye, Books.The. relief serigraph (29 coats of ink) is gilded with 23K gold leaf. At first glance, a normal reaction is to run one's finger over it. Feel free to do so. It is designed to grow old grace-fully. The coat of ink directly below the gold is red and as the gold is worn away the red will slowly emerge. Also, body acids from the linger tips will discolor the gold giving it a "mottled" effect. When sufficiently worn, each cover should have a distinctive character of its own and resemble a work with a European background,

TLS J D’Ambrosio to FP attention Mr. Ritchie — 8–31–75.

Thank you for your comments on THE ONDT AND THE GRACEHOPER. And, of course, you may keep it as long as you need it. But,[please give it to] A gentleman in the San Francisco area…

TLS J D’Ambrosio to FP attn: Linnea Gentry —July 17, 1976.

The Compulsive Printer, Mr. Mundell, and I are pleased to announce that the printing of our latest work is complete and that the artist proofs are now ready. Enclosed are three Ploaroid shots of the new book.

The title of the new book is "circ circ circ TRAPEZE circus circus" or just plain "TRAPEZE" for short. The unique thing about it is that the hand sewn binding threads which hold the leafs in place exit through the spine of the book and make their way through eyelets in the frame of the cover to become an integral part of the serigraphed circus tent on the front cover; they are the straining ropes for the tent. This binding process takes two hours per book and boggles the mind when trying to keep all those threads on their own respective routes….

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 8–9–76, 2 pp.

…copy of the latest work, TRAPEZE… is an artist proof, one of seven, as they are the only ones bound at this time. I have started on the run of fifty copies and hope to have five done by the end of the week. Each book takes five hours to bind and it takes a great deal of concentration so binding will necessarily go slowly…The book will retail for $85 and can be obtained through me. Discounts are given to dealers….

TLS S Kirshenbaum to J D’Ambrosio— 1–8–77 2 pp.

Thank you for your renewal of the Fine Print subscription, and for the gift subscription, and for the beautiful prints you sent me, and for the lovely Christmas card you sent.

All these things actually make it harder rather than easier for ye to writ you at this time.

I am holding your subscription and your renewal because I fear you will be unhappy with us by the time you read the next issue of Fine Print.

I am sorry to tell you that the review of your book Trapeze will not be completely favorable. I'm sure you know that we are sincere when. we say we like your work, we like the imagination and daring with which you approach the art of the book, but the consensus of our editors was that the book had some serious flaws that had to be brought out. Because we have so enjoyed your friendship, we sincerely hope that you will not be affended [sic] by our appraisal and will take it in the spirit of constructive criticism which it was intended..…

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 1–16–77 2pp.

Thank you for the very, very, thoughtful and considerate letter. I am deeply touched that you would allow a loss of revenue for FINE PRINT in exchange for my personal feelings. Your action has made a friend for life… [gift subscriptions to fine art dealers Letterio Calapai and Feldman Fine Arts might disagree with with your criticism, so send the subscriptions to them and me] [rare book dealers Philip Deushnes and Anthony Rota are selling copies]. notes change of vinyl cover to canvas for Trapeze. Working on a bibliography: a free copy to all my dealers, and one to you, of course, but any after the first free copy will be $1 each.…

TLS J D’Ambrosio to FP attn Elaine Ginger — 7–15–77.

I am happy to hear that you plan to include THE CHECKLIST to 1976 in Fine Print. Sixty copies were printed. None were numbered.

a new book will be out soon, THE MOOKSE AND THE GRIPES, by James Joyce, The edition will be 75 copies. The first 25 copies will be in a larger case to accommodate a larger loose print of which there are 25. The next 50 copies will be in a smaller case without the loose print. Projected prices for the first 25 copies is $115.00; for the next 50 copies, $65.00. Let me know which one you would like to see when they are ready in late August or early September.

Note on copy of Checklist: Dear Sandy, This copy sent to you without charge for your reference shelf. Additional copies are $1 each.

Should you choose to mention this in FINE PRINT, here is some data: The cover is an original serigraph on Ingres paper over 4-ply rag boards. Endpapers are Ingres paper. Thread and linen tape complete the binding. Copies are $l each while they last.

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 10–20–77.

When I received the renewal notice [Mr. Mundell], I thought it was for me since I have not seen a copy of FINE PRINT for some time. I guess it just takes a little longer for fourth class mail to get to me.

Mr. Mundell advised me some time ago that his subscription was running out and under no circumstances should I give him a gift renewal. …I have been extremely busy lately. The new book, THE MOOKSE AND THE GRIPES, is out and its reception has been overwhelming. I am behind in filling orders at the present time the glue has to dry before I'll let copys go) but am slowly catching up. I sent FINE PRINT an announcement and asked/someone on your staff who wrote about the CHECKLIST which copy (the special or the regular edition) you would like to see but have not received a reply. Since last year's book, TRAPEZE recently purchased by The New York Public Library for its rare book collection), was poorly received by FINE PRINT, I have the feeling that you're not too interested in the new book. And, also, with Mr. Mundell's private battle with FINE PRINT, I feel your staff will show a bias against the new work. I hope I am wrong about this but until I am reassured, I'd better maintain a low profile with FINE PRINT. I continue to support your good work and will certainly renew my subscription when it is due.

TLS S Kirshenbaum to J D’Ambrosio — 12–22–77.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Yes, FINE PRINT still lives, though you might have doubted it from the slow way we answer our mail…

FINE PRINT has undergone some metamorphoses over the past few months…

I Imagine that the Mookse and the Gripes is long since out and perhaps even soid out already. IF you still wish to have it reviewed, please do send us a copy of the regular edition….Also, I am completely baffled and puzzled by what you call "Mr. Mundell's private battie" with FINE PRINT. I'm sure I have not idea what battle or even what skirmish he is having with us. But if he feels combative, so be it. Believe me, I have absolutely no bone to pick with him, nor would I let let any conceivable disagreement color my relationship with you or anyone else.I hope that our lapses in the press book department will be remedied in the current year with the arrival of a new subscription and advertising secretary which will take a lot of the annoying detail work off my shoulders and permit me to take better care of review matters….

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 1–1–78 2 pp.

Thank you for the letter of explanation. I apologize for the use of the word "battle" in my reference to Mr. Mundell and FINE PRINT….Please do not think that you are off my Christmas list because you did not receive a card this year — .. I have been so busy with THE MOOKSE AND THE GRIPES and the holiday rush that I am spinning. There are a few copies of left (this year's edition was a little larger - 75 copies instead of 50) ..I will send a copy to you. Plans for this coming year are a series of prints based on "Literary Figures." …

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 4–6–78.

Please accept this copy of THE MOOKSE AND THE GRIPES as a personal gift from me to you in appreciation for the communication of my work that FINE PRINT has offered in the past few years. It is not necessary to do a review on it as the edition is almost sold out; this fact makes this gift definitely not a"bribe" but a display of sincere appreciation. The red velvet and the gold leaf are meant to convey the papal splendor as the Mookse the Pope) goes out to confront the Gripes (his flock). Thus, as you will see, the Mookse is graphically represented as a moose with a fox face in papal dress.

TLS S Kirshenbaum to J D’Ambrosio — 78 2 pp.

… thank you for Your to the Mookse and the Gripes. … I don't believe I've ever

seen a more imaginative treatment of a James Joyce story.

July PF is going on the press this week. For the first time it will be printed on a cylinder press instead of a platen press –– so we're hoping the process will be speeded up somewhat. I think you will find it a particularly interesting issue as to the emphasis is illustration: wood-engraving and pochoir (the latter being kin to silk-screening of course)…

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 7–23–78 3 pp.

[new price OK]. If you review Mookse and the Gripes, don’t print a price. It will be in an exhibition titled "The Art of the Printed Book" at Westbrook College in Portland, Maine, September 12 through October 12 of this year in the Alexander Hall Gallery on the campus. …LITERARY FIGURES and is very near completion….

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 10–28–78 2 pp.

Here is a review copy of this year's book, LITERARY FIGURES….$225.00 …large sheets of paper cost a small fortune. The paper from Twinrocker in Brookston, Indiana, was the most expensive of all and I have already informed them that if I ever use their paper again (which is exquisite by the way), I would need a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. …now in the Special Collections of The University of Illinois (Chicago Circle Campus) and was exhibited at a symposium titled METAMORPHOSES IN CREATIVITY at the University in October….

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 9–30–80.

…pleasure to see you at Waysgoose at UCLA récently.

I have a new miniature book out which I have not sent to you. Mr. Mundell, The Compulsive Printer in Portage, Indiana, and I, are still working together across 2200 miles. Our first project at that distance is the miniature I am speaking of. I'm afraid the printing has suffered while we got "our act together" and the miniature, EMILY & OSCAR, has printing which does not meet your standards. I bound it in tree bark and tiny leaves which I adhere to the board and then lacquer three coats. The binding is rather impressive and that must be why it has nearly sold out in only three months (I have 5 copies left as of this writing and no announcement was ever printed for it.) Of course it could be because of the poem I wrote about two leaves on separate trees which fall in love with one another, but it's probably a combination of both the story, binding, and graphics which make allowance for the printing.

But, we seem to be making progress and the miniature we are presently working on ( a story attributed to Dashiell Hammett) will have much improved printing quality. I will most likely send you a copy when it is completed.

The enclosed book cover is a direct outgrowth of my experimental binding. If you read paperbacks because you refuse to pay the price of hardcovers which do not have literary merit, you will like HARDBACK. I have a patent pending on it and the Hunter's Book chain here in the southwest is carrying it (plus a few private bookstores). Try it out - you'll see its merits as soon as you put a paperback into it - the spine expands and contracts. You'll also find that the paperback will "read" as a hardcover..…

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 9–12–83.

… I believe I will have some time in San Francisco before I head north to Gualala and Mendocino. And I will make plans to visit your new office.

I wonder if you have heard that the Los Angeles Central Library downtown has just had its very first bookbinding exhibition in which I showed six of my works. Romaine Ahlstrom did a wonderful and monumental job in pulling the whole exhibition together. And Kitty Maryatt did an excellent poster to commemorate the event. …Also, I recently created and am fabricating the binding for Carol Cunningham's new miniature (MASKS - The Sunflower Press, Mill Valley, CA.). I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you see it. Carol did an excellent job of printing. One sad note: Mr. Mundell, The Compulsive Printer of Portage, Indiana, passed away a year ago in August.

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 9–7–84 2 pp.

My compliments to you. Wally Dawes showed me FINE PRINT No. 2, Vol. 10. Enclosed, you will find a check for my subscription….Also enclosed, you will find two photos of my latest book…..BIRDS IN PARADISE (or) LIFE UPON A JAPANESE SCREEN. I wrote it, set the type for it, printed it and all the graphics, and I have bound it in black kid leather, gold kid leather, glass over an 8-color serigraph, with the pages sewn to bamboo rods on the spine. It takes one full week to assemble and bind the book. The edition is 50 numbered copies and 10 artist proofs. It comes with a black slipcase-like hinged case. The price is $1,000.00 per copy. The display case you see in the photo is optional at $75.00 each. Doyce Nunis, jr., Professor of History at USC (and member of The Zamorano Club) recently asked me if FINE PRINT had reviewed my new book. I told him that since it takes so long to put together, I am far behind in orders and I don't know when I will get a copy up to FINE PRINT for review. His solution was to ask you if someone down here could review it for FINE PRINT. He said that he would be glad to do it (USC already has their copy), or that Donald Read in Special Collections at Cal State, Northridge, could do it (they have a copy now also, or that Alan Jutze at The Huntington could do it (The Huntington will receive their copy either late this month or early October). Let me know how you feel about this procedure or if you just want to go ahead and contact any one of them directly. (over)

I now have my very own press (a Vandercook #3 similar to what Mr. Mundell had in Portage, Indiana), although I printed my new book on a Vandercook #5 at The Woman's Graphic Center here in Los Angeles. I set the type here, and then drove it over to print it. I will be in Ward Ritchie's new book that he is doing for Dawson's on Southern California Printers. I have accepted a proposal to do a limited edition book for Cal State, Northridge, Santa Susana Press. And I am working up a curriculum for an extension course there in The Book as an Art Form. I hope to be up in San Francisco in the middle of November for a special thing Edwina Evers is doing at Califia, and, at which time, Dianne Weiss (The Figment Press, Mill Valley) is trying to book my slide show at The Fort Mason Club….

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 8–29–88.

Norman Tanis at Cal State Northridge, told me that he is sending a copy of TYPE-FACES: WARD RITCHIE, A Photographic Study, by Amanda Blanco, to FINE PRINT for possible review. If you decide to review the portfolio, and, since I designed and produced it for Santa Susana Press, the following facts may be helpful to a reviewer.

Each page is printed on 2-ply archival board, which, since I have a Vandercook with a cylinder platen, had to be taped down to manage the curve of the paten and the stiffness of the board. And, of course, all type is hand set. The slate gray ink used in printing is normally darker in color, but I chose to lighten it to better compliment the gray tones of the black & white photographs. I hope the sculptural clam shell box is self-explanatory. The Della Robbia type-face is similar to the type-face used by Schmied in Paris when Ward Ritchie was experiencing his apprenticeship. The brown linen covering the clam-shell box was woven and produced in Rome, Italy. It is called Cialinen. If there are any other questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

I haven't forgotten my promise to send you a copy of my forthcoming retrospective bibliography (which I may end up calling "A Checklist") for review. It will cover the years 1970 through 1988. I hope it will be completed early next year.

TLS J D’Ambrosio to S Kirshenbaum — 1–27–89.

info about slides for kinetic book structures: A Traveling Exhibit–3 slides, Daisies Never Tell–2 slides. (the slides are in folder 35)

Folder 35 printed ephemera:

1. 1980 Poinsettia Christmas Card

2. Polaroid photos of Trapeze, 3 b&w, 1 color

3. 2 photos of Birds in Paradise

4. 5 color slides in Kodak envelope, 3 of A Traveling Exhibit and 2 of Daisies Never Tell

5. Reception at Paper Source Museum of Birds in Paradise

6. Checklist from 1982

7. Prospectus of Mookse and the Gripes

8. 5 early artist proofs from Trapeze

2. Fine Print Correspondence with Mr. Mundell, Compulsive Printer;

https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt6q2nc0kt_x441261121810

Carton 3, Folder 18

1. Copy of A Checklist (1977 book of D'Ambroiso's work)

2. TLS from S.R.Shapiro to S Kirshenbaum 3/10/75

Notes 4 books by E. Mundell being done for bookseller S.R. Shapiro regarding Bruce Rogers.

3.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 4/26 2pp.

After the 4 books mentioned by Shapiro appeared in Fine Print, E. Mundell writes that none of them have been issued, are being worked on and would like a correction printed.

4.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 5/15 2pp.

… please say the announcement was prmature and when they are available, notice will be given… I have had numerous inquiries about them.

5.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 6/24 2pp.

I have learned that … you are a book-seller…My purpose.. is to produce a directory of American private presses… data on the press, with a facsimile title page, To date, my list contains 1000–1100 presses, for which I now-have 500 examples… [I can] send you some samples of this compilation.

7.Handwritten note to Mr. Mundell 8/15/75, 2 pp.

I am most impressed with the number of presses you have noted… I am now in the process of cataloging a collection of press books and will gladly put you at the head of my mailing list…

8.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 8/21 4pp.

Thank you… I prefer to buy the books.… Weggand, the “Indian Kid’ printed 3 fine books on press marks…

[list of several presses]

9.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 8/23

This is the the list. Please don’t consider trying to fit it into “Fine Print" if I understand you to say you. might. Circulate it among friends or book people if you can.

10.Handwritten note from Mundell to S Kirshenbaum 10/31 2pp.

…My friend D’Ambrosio was quite pleased with the review. Me, I wonder who L.G. is and if its’ a printer. Concerning the list which I sent you— one of. your letters stated that you might be able to assist me in finding books. Please don’t waste any valuable space with another query. You’ve already printed one, and it brought me to tears….

Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center

Bromer Booksellers Records; JHCI-031; Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors, Boston, Mass.

1. Handwritten letter from Jeff D to Alexis at Bromer 1/26/04

return of extra copy of the Crusader.

2. Price list of 4 books and Triptych

1. D’AMBROSIO, JOSEPH. Krome, a further experience. (N.p., 1971). $850.00

2. [D’AMBROSIO, JOSEPH]. Brady, Roy. Old Wine, Fine Wine? Mint, cut-away slipcase. (13280) $350.00

3. D'AMBROSIO, JOSEPH. Literary Figures. (Portage, IN and Chicago, IL, The Compulsive Printer, 1978).(13979) $600.00

4. [D'AMBROSIO, JOSEPH]. D'Ambrosio's David. (14997) $3500.00

5. [D'AMBROSIO, JOSEPH]. Triptych created to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the California State Library at Sacramento. (14998) $550.00

3. D’Ambrosio invoice to Bromer 4/27/99

1 ”The Cask of Amontillado" binding: Pig over archival board w/ crystal Skull eyes $300.00

4. TLS JDA to Anne at Bromer, April 27, 1999

information on The Cask of Amontillado. andsSoon I will be coming out with a new miniature book. A Nest of Robins, by Joe D’Ambrosio. The edition will be 50 copies and the price will be $250.00 each (less 40% dealer discount equals $150 your cost).

5. Prospectus for Oaxaca and the Saguaro Cactus

6. Bromer information card for Joseph D’Ambrosio noting sale of 2 copies of Oaxaca and the Saguaro Cactus. (special 1/25 and regular 1/125)

7. D’Ambrosio invoice to Bromer 10/29/96 for Oaxaca and the Saguaro Cactus #10/125 for $360.

8. Copy of check to Joseph D’Ambrosio for Oaxaca and the Saguaro Cactus 1/25 12-18-96 for $360.00

9. Copy of check to Joseph D’Ambrosio for book 4/14/97 for $235.00

10. D’Ambrosio invoice to Bromer 14/4/97 for Oaxaca and the Saguaro Cactus #44/125 for $135.00

11. TLS JDA to Anne at Bromer, October 25, 1996

I have taken the liberty of sending you copies of the book on the southwest that I have been working on. The edition is 125 copies with the first 25 copies being special in that they are bound in leather and contain inclusions which are not in the regular edition. The special edition is bound in leather and presented in a clam-shell box. The regular edition is the next 100 copies and is bound in suede cloth and is presented in a raffia-tied wrapper. Both editions were letterpress printed on the Vandercook and include many "paper" printing plates and a myriad of colored printing inks. The retail price of the special is $600.00 each, and the regular is $225.00 each. The dealer discount is once again 40%. I suggest that you look at the special edition first, and then the regular so that you may see the difference between the two. I am suggesting to those who collect my work that they may want a copy of both the special and the regular as the two although similar really do have a dissimilar appearance. The announcements for the new book will go out the first part of November.

I have just returned from San Diego where I gave my slide show and a weekend workshop to the calligrapher group there. The reception to my work was beyond my expectation, and I really enjoyed myself. I will be not too far from you next April 17th. I will give my slide presentation at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. One of my collector clients in Schenectady set this up for me.

I have been asked why I did two editions of the new book. The answer is simply that the special edition is so much work that I just could not see myself doing 125 of them. I barely break even on the binding of the special edition at the dealer discount price, and hope I can sell a lot of the regular edition to make up for it. You will find that this book opens flatter than most because the spine on both the special and the regular books telescopes into the back cover taking the stress off of the front cover joint. So don't be afraid to open the book wide, especially in those areas where you may wish to full enjoy the pop-up structures. Sincerely, [signature Joe D’Ambrosio]

12. Thank you, handwritten note on stationary from JDA to Anne at Bromer, [not dated]

Joe D'Ambrosio Book Artist

Online digital images

University of California — Online Archive Catalog

California State Library, California History Room

Joe D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs

Cal State University Northridge CSUN

Collaborative Projects

Clark Memorial Library, UCLA

Porchoir

Porchoir

Porchoir

The Huntington Library

UC Berkeley

Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center

USC

Online digital images

University of California — Online Archive Catalog

California State Library, California History Room

Joe D'Ambrosio artist materials, papers, and photographs

Cal State University Northridge CSUN

Collaborative Projects

Clark Memorial Library, UCLA

Porchoir

Porchoir

Porchoir

The Huntington Library

UC Berkeley

Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center

USC

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