[30 bookplates designed and printed by John Kristensen at Firefly Press]

We met Boston printer John Kristensen in, oh, 1998. We have no idea how we found our way to his shop in Somerville, but we remember driving back and forth on streets we now walk every day. We have no doubt we were hours late for our appointment. He graciously showed us around. A Richie Havens song played on the radio. Artist/designer/printer Bruce Chandler called on the phone while we were there, looking for sorts for figures for Van Dijck. John explained to Bruce that he could supply Bembo figures as they were essentially the same thing. The visit made an impression—as has every piece of printing John’s carried out. That’s because he swears by letterpress, having once declared that he’s not prepared to argue about the superiority of letterpress with anyone who doesn’t already agree with him. We don’t really agree with him, but when the ink is arranged with such care, it doesn’t really matter how it got on the paper or what printing method is “best.” The ink doesn’t care. The paper doesn’t care. Readers don’t care. Why should we? Either way, this is an excellent collection of bookplates both perfectly classical and tastefully inventive.