This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2021
[CAXTON CLUB CHICAGO BY THE BOOK]. FARRELL, Jen, artist (proprietor of Starshaped Press). Decent Homes. Chicago: Starshaped Press, 2021. 12mo. Letterpress printed on Zerkall paper entirely with metal type (Empire and Elizabeth) and ornament. Original printed boards covered in Fabriano paper, accordion fold. LIMITED EDITION, number 1 of 1 deluxe copies from a total edition of 6. “Decent Homes is a response to Edith Abbott’s The Tenements of Chicago, 1908–1935. This seminal book was the culmination of data collected by herself and her associates at Hull House that documented the state of housing for the poor and working class families of Chicago. Decent Homes, when laid flat, showcases the ideals of neighborhoods set forth by Abbott’s research: homes with windows, fire escapes, green spaces and playgrounds, garbage collection, working plumbing and sewer systems. Hidden under folded flaps are hints of the tenement housing Abbott explored that led to her fight for better conditions. The reverse side of the illustrative pages contains text and quotes pulled from The Tenements of Chicago. When the book stands, it forms a six-pointed or Chicago star (Farrell).”