In April 2020, Kathleen Whalen, erstwhile publisher at the Incline Press, succumbed to the cancer that had stalked her for nine years. She was survived by her partner in printing and in life, Graham Moss, who set out to memorialise and celebrate the life of this librarian, printer, and bibliophile in the most appropriate manner imaginable. The result is Memento Mori : Memento Vivere, a book published by Moss’ Incline Press in 2023. The title, which embodies the economy so characteristic of Latin, can be read as ‘remember that you will die, and therefore remember to live’. The total limitation is 175 copies, of which 100 are ordinaries and 75 are specials. Briefly, the specials are presented as two volumes in a chemise, bound in handmade paper at the Incline Press workshop. The first volume is identical in content to the ordinary state, while the second volume contains additional material.
Here, I will be looking at one of the ordinary copies—a review copy received on loan from Graham Moss. The book won a Judge’s Choice award at the Oxford Fine Press Book Fair, 2022.
The binding for these ordinary copies was executed by Roger Grech at his studio. We first encounter a slipcase with natural linen cloth edges. The sides are covered in paper printed with a blue and yellow geometric design based on a linocut by Nicolette Scarpa. A label on the slipcase spine bears the title, allowing the book to be shelved spine-inward. As is characteristic of Grech’s output, the slipcase is sturdy and sharp-edged.
The volume within follows a similar design language to the case: It is quarter bound in the same cloth, and has the same paper sides. Like the slipcase, the book feels very well-made, while the design gives it a charming homespun aesthetic. Tying everything together, the sewn binding has matching striped endbands and the linocut-designed paper makes a third appearance in the book’s endpapers.
Affixed to the front pastedown is a brown paper library pocket, another subtle nod to Whalen’s working life. Slipped within is a photograph of Kathy (as she is affectionately known throughout the book). It is a bona fide photographic print on Fuji paper.
The main part of the book proper is printed on a nice, smooth cream Magnani paper but there are also occasional pages printed on a other stocks in a variety of colours, from powder blue to a striking watermelon pink.
After a half title we dive directly into the format that the rest of book will follow. It is divided into 50 sections, each beginning with a verso page with some biographical and explanatory text set in Centaur, perhaps my favourite typeface. In each section the text is paired with an exhibit of printed material (normally presented on the facing recto side, but sometimes itself spanning several pages). Exhibits 1–4 are respectively a death notice, title page, dedication, and three-page introduction, which together introduce us to the essential facts of Kathy’s death. They also introduce the book’s subtitle: “A Typographic Interpretation of a Commonplace Book”, which prepares us for what to expect next. Indeed, what follows is an incredibly rich and diverse assemblage of letterpress material, printing work, typography, and relief illustration. There’s such a diversity of printing on display that it’s difficult to know where to start, but some illustrative examples include
- Tipped-in labels for jars of home made preserves, bookmarks, address cards, entrance tickets, and other small ephemera.
- A multi-page article written by Kathy for Whittington Press’ Matrix journal, printed on paper that seems to bear the watermark of the Zerkall Mill.
- Small broadsides with public service announcements or wry printer’s humour.
- Linocut and wood engraved illustrations.
- Recipes, poems, maxims, and textual excerpts printed using a wide variety of typefaces, ornaments, and relief illustrations.
Despite the sombre subject matter, it’s a vibrant and cheerful collection of material that should satisfy bibliophiles and typophiles alike. More than being an attractive showcase of the press’ work, these exhibits collectively help to tell the story of Kathy’s life. For each one, the facing page has an anecdote connected to the exhibit, whether it be an adventure in printing, the joy of gardening, connecting with friends, or the challenge of coping with illness. As one might expect, the text is intimate, engaging, and often touching. The explanatory text also contains detailed notes on the typefaces used in each exhibit.
In summary, Memento Mori : Memento Vivere is a veritable treasure trove for those interested in type and printing. It is also a moving reminder of the fate that awaits us all and the preciousness of what comes before. I can but hope that one day (far into the future!) someone will construct such a fitting memorial to my life; until then, I will endeavour to live it to the fullest. ■
Where to buy
At the time of writing, the book is still available directly from the Incline Press . Readers are cordially encouraged to exhaust this supply before searching elsewhere.
Those reading at a time when the book is out of print can look for used copies at eBay US*, eBay UK*, AbeBooks US*, or AbeBooks UK*.
You can view what other editions from Incline Press are currently in print at the press’ online shop. Or you can browse Incline Press editions in the secondary market at eBay US*, eBay UK*, AbeBooks US*, or AbeBooks UK*.
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Miscellaneous
The Incline Press Blog has a few articles about the book here, here, and here.
The Incline Press YouTube channel also has a video about the book, which you can see below:
The Ubiquitous Book blog 