Ich Will Ihn, by Alexander Merz, Hertenstein-Presse 1988, Signed and numbered 21/50

Ich Will Ihn (I Want Him), by Alexander Merz is a limited edition work issued by the Hertenstein-Presse in 1988, reflecting the tradition of finely produced small press publications. This is a highly stylised artist’s book, presenting a short, fragmented text across a sequence of individually designed pages. Each line appears in isolation against a graphic background, creating a rhythmic and almost performative reading experience.

Presented here as a signed and numbered copy (21 of 50). An attractive German private press publication featuring strong typographic work on coloured design backgrounds.

Ich Will Ihn by Alexander Merz.

Published by Verlag Hertenstein-Presse, Pforzheim, 1988. Limited edition of 50 numbered copies, this being number 21. Signed by the artist/author.

A near fine folio size publication - with printed card covers with folded flaps. A very slight crease mark to top left corner of front cover, and some feint sunning to edges of front cover. Soundly bound.

Text is bright and clean throughout. Printed on a high quality heavy paper stock, bound in an uncut structure, so that each leaf is effectively made up of what would normally be 2 separate pieces of paper - a folded-leaf format reminiscent of traditional Japanese bookmaking.

Provenance: With the blind-stamped roundel of the Neatham Mill Library (T.W.), the private collection of Dr Trevor Weston of Neatham Mill, Holybourne, Hampshire. Weston, a London physician who later established Clarion Publishing from Neatham Mill, was an active figure in the British fine press and private press world, and his library is known for its emphasis on well-produced and illustrated books.

Text in German.

Half title + Title + 12 Coloured printed designs + Publisher's page.

Dimensions: approx 357mm high x 257mm wide x 7mm deep.
Weight: approx 335g (unpacked).