War on the Home Front

Chester River Press has the privilege of working with distinguished aviation historian Mike Lavelle in the publishing of his "aviation papers," a collection of research, lectures and journal articles on key events in the history of aviation and in particular Boeing's contributions to the design and production of significant aircraft. Mr. Lavelle is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and currently a Director at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. We have just completed and released the first of Mr. Lavelle's works, War on the Home Front: Building the B-29 Superfortress, a compelling, heavily illustrated study of the design and development of one of the most important aircraft of World War II. In the book's Foreword, distinguished historian and lecturer Richard P. Hallion states: "In this incisive and thorough study, aviation historian Mike Lavelle takes the reader deep into the design and production process that led to the B-29. Written by a historian totally in command of his sources and references, with an informed perspective shaped by years of following aerospace history, this history of the B-29 is certain to become a standard reference..." We look forward to continuing our work with Mr. Lavelle to publish the full collection of his aviation papers.

New Poetry Collections

Chester River Press has published the latest poetry collections of two well-known and highly regarded literary figures and poets, Mary Wood and Emily Vogel. The Philosopher's Wife, by Emily Vogel, contains 36 poems which, in the words of Michael Foldes "...speak to possibilities, revealing the mysteries of enchantment, the too-often fleeting moment of adoration that accompanies found love." Pulitzer Prize winning poet Franz Wright states: "From my first encounter with them I have been struck by the ferocity of clarity and understatement with which Vogel shapes and controls and, in fact, intensifies the impact of these splendidly constructed poems." In First Ice, Mary Wood presents 18 poems introduced by Kelly Castro: "Mary Wood does not struggle with life's process. The poems in this collection, most of which were written in the last ten years, are about a complete acceptance of life as it is. And though her poetry addresses time's inevitable effects, hers is not a sullen art." First Ice is adorned with four color art pieces by Kathryn Jankus Day, including the cover art, and the cover of The Philosopher's Wife is an art piece by Faith Wilson.

Tennessee

I had the pleasure of meeting with David Bruce Smith, writer and publisher, who has created a masterpiece production of three works by Tennessee Williams. Tennessee is a limited edition, four-color, letterpress, three-volume collection that contains the first publication of Tennessee Williams's recently discovered play These are the Stairs You Got To Watch, along with The Glass Menagerie, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Included in the collection are original artwork by Clarice Smith, depicting "Tennessee's Women," and a preface by Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre. David Bruce Smith provides the commentary.

The books are elephant folios letterpress printed in four colors, finely bound and hand sewn on Fabriano Rusticus paper, with six color art prints from metal plates, all enclosed in a custom box. For those of us who admire Tennessee Williams's work, this set of books is awe-inspiring. Beautifully produced and a pleasure to read, it is a sincere tribute to Williams and also a stunning example of fine book making. I urge all to visit David's website at davidbrucesmith.com to learn more about this publication and his other offerings.