Using a signed and numbered bookplate as a substitute for a printed limitation page strikes one as an intentionally unimpressive way to create a limited edition book. Many limited editions use expensive and exquisite materials to create fine examples of the bookmaker's art. The limited edition of Volume 5 of
R. Crumb's Sketchbook, on the other hand, differs from the standard trade edition only by the presence of a bookplate, and not an especially appealing one at that.
Crumb, as a counterculture icon, faces a dilemma. He might not be comfortable being associated with a lavish, limited-edition book which some might consider elitist. He does wants to be commercial, but he deliberately wants his commercialism to feel a bit crass and perhaps self-mocking. Hence we find the relatively cheap bookplate adorning the limited edition book.
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| R. Crumb, Sketchbook, Volume 5: Late 1967 & Early 1968, Front Cover. |
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The R. Crumb Sketchbook, Volume 5
Limitation bookplate No. 245 of 400 signed by R. Crumb. |
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| Mr. Natural, Fatback & Thin Gruel, Little Girl |
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| Crumb deliberately may choose sketchbook cover images for their inappropriateness or offensiveness. |
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| Boing: The Magazine that Flips You Out! and Gingerbread Princess |
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| Mickey Mouse, Abie the Agent |
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| True Congestions, "If Ya Wanna Be a Top Banana, Ya Gotta Start At the Bottom of the Bunch!" |
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| "I'm a physical being!" |
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| R. Crumb's Funny Book, One Way |
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| Street Corner Comics, The Grabbies are Coming! |
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| Holy Toledo Comics |
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| Fun Fact: R. Crumb is never mistaken for David Mamet |
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| True Romances |
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| Back Cover |
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| R. Crumb, The R. Crumb Sketchbook, Volume 5: Late 1967 & Early 1968, Front Cover |
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| http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SIGNED-R-CRUMB-Sketch-Book-Vol-5-Limited-Edition-245-of-400-/390572055319?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item5aefe89b17 |
March 17, 2014 Update:
Note: See my previous posts on
R. Crumb here if you dare.
