McNulty, K. Collected prints of Ben Shahn, p. 80-81, 145-146
Prescott, K.W. Complete graphic works of Ben Shahn, p. 63, 71
A special edition of proofs and stencils of Shahn's 12 pages of illuminated Hebrew manuscript and original art without the letterpress Hebrew and English texts.
Title from box.
"10 copies numbered A to J, each containing one of Ben Shahn's original illustrations of 'An Only Kid,' are printed on Auvergne hand-made pure rag paper. They include two extra sets of the color plates ...; one set of the plates left uncolored ...; a series of progressives showing the stages in the hand-stencil coloring of a single plate, together with three of the original guide-sheets and stencils; and two proof states of the lithograph frontispiece"--Prospectus, p. [3].
"This first edition of Ben Shahn's Haggadah is strictly limited to 292 numbered copies, of which 18 are hors commerce ... The printed edition consist[s] of 228 copies numbered 1 to 228 ... There are three special editions for collectors and museums, each with an extra set of the color plates for display purposes, as well as proof material from the making of the book ...[:] 10 copies numbered A to J ..., 16 copies numbered K to Z ..., 20 copies numbered I to XX"--Prospectus, p. [3].
Box is covered in parchment with gilt lettering in English and Hebrew. Metal clasps.
LC has Copy A. Typescript note from Trianon Press laid in: "The pencil layout and notes below the drawing are by the artist." Prospectus has ms. notes in ink.
LC copy accompanied by 13 photographic prints documenting production of the book and including portraits of the artist, printers, and publisher in Paris studios of Atelier Mourlot and Imprimerie La Ruche. Accompanied also by 3 contemporary reviews of the book from the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and The New Republic.