Vladimir Nabokov, Ada (Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1969). Bound by Ruta Prusinskaite, 2026.
Bookbinder's Statement
This complex novel has many themes, which leaves each reader with different, individual, experience. Similarly, my design, which appears straight forward at first glance, can suggest more than chess and scrabble - games that Van and Ada excelled at.
One perhaps might think of the waves that took Ada's little sister's life, or perhaps not so obvious Van's philosophical explorations of Time and Space connection. Or flowers that Ada used to paint, which have now taken abstract geometric shapes. Or a calendar marking their meetings and separations. Games, codes, cryptic and complex - are main words of inspiration for this binding.
Technical Details
Full leather binding in Harmatan goatskins, covered in 2 panels. Decorated with back pared and recess onlays. Title was foil blocked and applied as full thickness onlays that are turned in. Multicolour hand-sewn silk endbands.
Endpapers incorporate typewritten and handwritten passages of the book, printed using alternative lithography, paper lithography, technique. Reinforced with cotton paper joint and fleshing doublures.
