IT is one of Stephen King’s most popular novels, and it was the obvious choice for Dragon Rebound’s next book. With the movie remake being released in September, it made sense that now is the perfect time to give IT some special treatment!
For those unfamiliar with these wonderful books, Dragon Rebound works with a bookbinder and other artisans, to rebind an original 1st edition page block, and they incorporate elements of the story into the design of the binding. It their way of honoring the work of Stephen King, and creating an edition that collectors, and fans of his work can cherish.
Here are some details of the painstaking process that went into creating this amazing book that is also a piece of art!
The book enclosure and lid design are based on a literal depiction of the original cover illustration for “IT”, with the sewer grate covering the storm drain. The sewer grate becomes the lid to the box, which holds the book. Each sewer grate is made by using traditional foundry processes to achieve a miniature version of the grate depicted on the original cover artwork.
The grates, being iron, hold magnetic properties, and thus rare earth (neodymium) magnets are utilized on the inside wood and fabric panels, to assist in holding the grate securely to the box. This allows the box to be stored safely in an upright position, without fear of the cast iron grate falling out.
The box body itself is also made of metal. The interior of the box is lined with a plush red suede fabric, and wooden buffer panels are cut to size and covered with the suede material to form the book bed in which the book sits. The inner walls also create a ledge along all four sides into which the cast iron grate will sit. During this process, the ribbon is installed to facilitate removal of the book from the book bed.
A clear sheet of acid free transparent film is placed on top of the book, so that the underside of the grate does not accidentally scratch the leather.
The custom-bound IT edition is bound as a semi-split board sewn over frayable tapes to prevent sagging of the heavy page block. The boards are covered in black buffalo skin with goatskin onlays in red, white and yellow, for the balloons on the cover, and the title on the spine. The balloon strings are hand-embroidered in cotton floss. The author name is blind-stamped on the spine. Endbands are leather wrapped in red goatskin. Hand marbled endpapers are designed and crafted by Sevim Surucu.
Sevim Surucu created a completely custom marbled paper for this edition. Each design, while having the same image, is unique because each one is painted and marbled by hand.
June Sakamoto is a renowned origami artist who created a paper boat replica of the one in Bob’s iconic illustration that matches the original painting very closely. June created a custom origami pattern for this boat that has never been made before.
The boat is made out of a reproduction of the actual front page of The Bangor Daily News from 1957. The Maine State Library was contacted to see if they had copies in their archives. They created a digital file from the microfilm and the newspaper was reproduced so that June cold fold these very special paper boats. One of June’s custom made boats is included as a free bonus with every book!
The book is signed on the colophon page by Bob Giusti, and includes a giclée print of the original cover art, also signed by Bob Giusti, as well as a reproduction of Bob’s original sketch concept.
To order this incredible book; a marriage of artistry, creativity and collectibility, please click HERE!