Our rare book of the month is technically multiple books published by The Golden Dog Press, a Canadian fine press founded by J. Kemp Waldie. The press published a small collection of works along with ephemera during the 1930s. Private press, or fine press printing, dedicated to producing handcrafted works had become popular in England with the Arts & Crafts movement in response to the commercialization of printing. When he began the Golden Dog Press, Kemp Waldie perceived Canada to be lagging behind in the creation of a similar print culture. And so, his intent behind creating the press was to introduce fine press printing here with its focus on high-quality paper, artistic layouts, type setting and design.
Titles published by Golden Dog Press in our collection
Hyde, Laurence, J. Kemp Waldie, and Golden Dog Press, eds. Første Jule. Toronto: Golden Dog Press, 1933.
Lutetia. Toronto: Golden Dog Press, 1933.
Tremaine, Marie. Early Printing in Canada. Toronto: The Golden Dog Press, 1934.
Hyde, Laurence, Laurence Hyde, and Douglas Duncan. Engravings for Macbeth. Toronto: Golden Dog Press, 1939.
Upcoming Canadian Fine Press Exhibit
Later this month we are launching a new exhibit on The Golden Dog Press and J. Kemp Waldie as part of a collaborative, multi-library exhibit that will highlight the Canadian fine press items held by Kelly Library (St. Michael’s College), Pratt Library (Victoria College), Massey Library (Massey College and Fisher Library.
John W. Graham Library news 