Go ahead, admit it. You thought this day would never come. But it has, and we’re now celebrating because we’re finally out of the construction zone; our long-awaited Tryst Press web page renovation is complete. Hurrah!

We’ve added and subtracted a few pieces and hopefully made it easier for you, gentle reader, to navigate through our pages. We believe you will enjoy exploring our offerings even more. Please remember that your feedback is so welcome. Now, on to our news!

Winning the gold. It is with the greatest pleasure that we announce that The Allegory of the Olive Tree, our latest book title and long-time labor of love, has just received the 2008 J. Carl Hertzog Award for Excellence in Book Design. The Allegory was chosen from among over 90 contenders for this coveted prize, and becomes the 11th winner in the history of the award, now entering its third decade. Loud, proud congratulations go to Robert Buchert for his wonderful achievement and a hearty thank you to all our new friends at UTEP. That good ol’ Texan hospitality can’t be beat!

A new alliance. Being long-time fans of WGBH podcast Morning Stories, we jumped at a chance to show support for our friends who produce this one-of-a-kind show. Morning Stories is devoted to telling “unforgettable stories from everyday people”—a cause we can really get behind—and so we are thrilled to present for your reading pleasure the full transcripts from three-and-a-half years’ worth of archives, with occasional new stories and notes contributed by transcribers. We’ve set this all up in blog form so that the public conversation can continue to grow. We invite you to spend time with Morning Stories: subscribe to the weekly podcast, listen to old episodes, check out their videos, peruse their Flickr page, and of course, leave your comments on Tryst Press’ Morning Stories Blog. We feel certain you’ll think of some stories of your own to share. Join the fun!

Links to Tryst Press Artists. Painter Brian Kershisnik will be showing a new collection of his recent works in an exhibition entitled Leap at the Meyer Gallery in Park City, Utah. The show opens, appropriately, on Leap Day (Friday, February 29th) 2008 and the reception is from 6:00 till 8:00 that evening. The Meyer Gallery is located at 305 Main Street, tel. 800-649-8180.

Classes and workshops. Currently, Rob is teaching an advanced letterpress class at Brigham Young University, through April 2008. Also during the Winter Semester, Rob taught a one-day workshop on papermaking to Dr. Royal Skousen’s History of the the Book class for Linguistics majors.

Sign up for a four-day intensive papermaking workshop entitled, “Paper Mill,” hosted by Scrub Oak Bindery in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Date, time, class size, and cost are still to be fixed and announced, however, be advised that the workshop will be take place Wednesday through Saturday. In this workshop, we will create sheets of handmade paper from cotton, flax, and hemp fibers, and the end-products will be suitable for printing as well as for painting. Participants will enjoy using professional papermaking moulds, and will produce paper in either an antique laid or a wove finish. Each student will leave the workshop with plenty of paper to use. To reserve a seat in this workshop, please contact Ethan or Betsy at Scrub Oak Bindery, 801-718-4874 or scruboakbindery@gmail.com.

Papermaking. As an outgrowth of his book-in-process, Rob has been invited to author an article on papermaking—specifically on the subject of constructing moulds—for an upcoming issue of Galley Gab, a monthly online publication devoted to letterpress printing. Mike Anderson, one of Galley Gab's Contributing Editors, will submit a corresponding write-up on papermaking, using Rob's handmade moulds in his pictorial demonstrations.

Rob is also busy putting the polish on 13 papermaking moulds for in-house use. Recently in conversation, he mused that he has already created over 70 moulds, and that perhaps these will be his last. If 70 doesn't sound like many to you, you may be curious to review the construction and finishing processes that each mould and deckle require; they are highly time-, labor-, and detail-intensive. When Rob's article is published, we'll point you toward it.

Typography. A man who wears many hats, Rob recently finished designing a stunning new typeface called Psalter. A beautiful hybrid, its lower case is based on insular miniscule, and its upper case is indirectly based on capital letters found in Edward Johnston's classic text on calligraphy and illumination. Psalter grew out of a common case—a typeface with no upper or lower case—designed some years ago by Rob, one for which he cut matrices. It currently awaits casting. Psalter will make its debut in The Book of Ruth, coming soon.

Forthcoming fine press book titles. The Book of Ruth. This visually and typographically tender treatment of a well-loved scripture story is offered up by three talented artistic collaborators. Illustrations will consist of woodcuts by Brian Kershisnik which will be interpreted by French stencil illuminator Richard LeRay and letterpressed by Robert Buchert. The book will be printed on handmade paper. Like the characters in the narrative, this singular piece overflows with beauty and integrity. The Book of Ruth will debut a unique new typeface, called Psalter, created by Rob. This book promises to be a strong and satisfying piece. We can hardly wait for you to see it.

Prester John's Letter. Something special is on its way: a new translation of a letter from an anonymous hand. The letter, which was purported to be from a powerful monarch in the Far East, began circulating throughout Europe sometime during the 12th century, and described the fantastical realm of a mythical warrior-king. Though it was proven to be a hoax, in time it spurred interest in European exploration of the world which eventually culminated in Columbus's voyages to what later became known as the Americas. The letter remained in print until the 1500s, but since then has become increasingly difficult to find translated in its entirety. This new rendering from Latin and French into English by Robert Maxwell is a combined translation of what are considered the oldest copies of the text. Look forward to this beautifully produced revival of an historic fascination, printed on handmade paper.

Psalter. In the tradition of the great manuscript psalters comes this book of sacred songs from The Holy Bible. Illustrated by Robert Buchert, printed on handmade paper from a proprietary type face, and bound in boards milled from cedar of Lebanon, this work promises to richly satisfy the soul.

Technical book in the works. Rob is currently drafting a new book, with the working title: Mould & Deckle, Vat & Press. It will be a technical manual, with ample line illustrations, devoted to the topic of making and amassing the necessary equipment required to set up a small handmade paper mill. True, this book will be geared toward a very specific audience, but borrowing from Rob's wealth of experience with papermaking, it will be a treasure trove for anyone desiring information on the subject.