I have always been intrigued by Gaylord Schanilec’s work but have never had much opportunity to spend time with any of his books other than quick glances at CODEX. That changed when I noticed a friend’s name in a colophon to one of his books on an Oak Knoll Books mailing. Franny Bannen is not exactly a common name, and knowing that she had taken some bookmaking classes at Mill College left me little doubt that this was indeed a book that my book artist friend had a hand in. How did I not know this? I instantly tried to purchase the book only to find that in the hour or so since I got the email, it had already been snatched up. Luckily, they also had this book that Franny had worked on. We staff together at an camp for unschoolers every year and I proudly showed it to her and it was wonderful seeing her face light up when she saw it. Like seeing one of you children after a long time away. I will be having her sign my copy. What a delight for a book lover to own books whose creation your friends and family have had a hand in! My daughter had a short stint working at Arion Press and I have the joy of owning a few books with her name in the colophon.
Personal anecdote aside, this is a beautiful little book containing a short story written by Gaylord’s brother Clayton. As the printer states in the prospectus, “My brother Clayton and I have been fishing together all of our lives: most always amiably, and always with an edge of brotherly competitiveness.” I’m not a fisherman but I can appreciate the beauty of a secret spot that seems like it should be yours if you are there first. As well as some brotherly competition. In the wild there is a greater amount of space that feels wrong to invade without an invitation or an query. And it’s much bigger than in the city or in your town coffee shop or bar. With fishing it seems especially true if you are so close that you will effect the chances of others.
This is the story of a fisherman named Blake, possibly an alter ego to Clayton. He seems to have some unspecified problems in his life and marriage that fishing helps with, in more ways than just putting food on the table. He also seems to have some strong opinions of how to fish and when it is right and wrong to take a fish. In the beginning of the story, he releases a fish he has caught because it doesn’t feel right; even though that means leftovers for dinner again and some disappointed family members. Then, a stranger, an intruder, shows up and fishes too close to him in his favorite spot. He’s not even a fly fisher but is a bait caster, another strike against him that causes Blake outrage. A feeling of competition causes Blake to come even earlier to the pool the next day. And, with a feeling of irresponsibly and cold silence from his wife, a third day as well. But this is fishing, and the fish don’t necessarily reward you just for perseverance. And he’ll always wonder where the intruder is, and suspect the stranger’s luck is better. I suspect that is a feeling most people who fish can relate to.
This book is the fifth of nine books printed in Midnight Paper Sales’ “Little Book” series from 1997 to 2010. I couldn’t find much information on the series but the books look like they would be worth seeking out if this one is any indication. The cover papers are striking: looking like the night sky above the trees as the last light fades from the sky. Or maybe the moon is getting ready to rise behind there somewhere. I was intrigued to read in the prospectus that the image was printed on black paper. A two color split-fountain technique was used to get the effect of the sky turning more indigo as you look further above the trees. The fold-out main illustration was done in four colors and features his brother fishing his favorite pool and, in Shanilec’s words, “mercifully fully clothed.” That detail, while certainly a brotherly jibe, makes more sense once one has read the story.
I saw that Gaylord will have a table at the upcoming CODEX 2019, so I hope check out more from him. I’ll also be on the lookout for more of the Little Books, especially ones that my friend had a hand in. I know there is an Edwidge Dandicot title, maybe Plunging, that she worked on.
AVAILABILITY: Published in 2004 and printed in an edition limited to 120 numbered and signed copies, of which 26 special copies were specially bound with an extra portfolio of materials. The book reviewed above is the regular edition. The book can occasionally be found on the second hand market. As of this writing, Oak Knoll books has both the regular and special edition available.
