Many people know Jim Rimmer’s name in the context of his metal & digital type designs, or his work printing for others. But the handful of books he issued from his own imprint are less well known, for several reasons. Some editions were small, 50 copies or less. Some editions were never fully issued. HM’s book, sparked by the acquisition of 45 linocuts from two of his books after his death in 2010, is an introduction to his private printing for people who have never seen the actual books.
In addition to his type designs, Jim was known for his vibrant multi-color linocuts. Each copy of HM’s checklist includes, as a frontis, a print from one of his books (A Christmas Carol, 1998 or Shadow River, 1996-98). A group of 45 prints, each initialed by Jim, was acquired shortly after his death in 2010; the number available determined the book’s edition (40 numbered copies for sale, five hors commerce).
Each copy also includes two cards, from a set of 13 issued in 1980, showing the various ornaments available from Jim's foundry.
The checklist section is preceded by a four-page profile of Jim written by his friend and colleague Will Rueter, of The Aliquando Press. This was adapted from an article originally published in The Devil’s Artisan in 2003. The book ends with a three-page section displaying seven types Jim cut and cast in metal (Duensing Titling, Nephi Mediaeval, Stern, Juliana Oldstyle, Fellowship, Quill & Cree Syllabic). )
The book (4to, 27 pp.) was set in Cloister Oldstyle (one of Jim’s favorites) and printed in two colors on dampened (and very old) Guarro laid paper. The endpapers were stained with acrylic paint. The book is cased in quarter cloth with printed paper sides. All copies were signed by Will Rueter. The first five (+ one H.C.) were issued in a box with additional material printed by Jim; the first 15 contain a second linocut by him.
