Explore a visually captivating exhibition focusing on speculative scenarios, perfect for viewing until February.
The Grolier Club, located on the Upper East Side, is currently showcasing a unique exhibition titled “Imaginary Books: Lost, Unfinished, and Fictive Works Found Only in Other Books,” curated by Reid Byers. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a simulated edition of Ernest Hemingway’s lost novel, “One Must First Endure,” which was stolen in 1922. Byers, a collector and writer from Maine, has meticulously recreated this fictional book, along with over 100 other lost or imaginary books, for display at the Grolier Club from Thursday through Feb. 15.
Byers’ fascination with imaginary books began 15 years ago when he was designing a jib door for his private library. This sparked his interest in compiling a list of fictitious books, eventually leading him to create physical representations of these literary creations. Collaborating with a team of artisans including bookbinders, printers, and calligraphers, Byers brought these imaginary books to life, blurring the line between reality and fiction. Some books were inspired by existing works, while others were entirely original creations, each serving as a gateway to a different world.
According to Byers, these imaginary books serve as “liminal objects,” transporting viewers to the edge of a fantastical realm. The exhibition features a diverse array of fictive works, including a version of the book Alice reads in “Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There,” titled “The Songs of the Jabberwock,” with a cover dyed purple and printed as a mirror image. The intricate details and craftsmanship of these simulated books add a sense of weight and gravity, drawing visitors into a universe of literary imagination.
Shira Belén Buchsbaum, the exhibitions manager at the Grolier Club, remarked on the physicality of the imaginary books, noting their surprising heft despite being fictional. She described them as portals into alternate realities, each carrying a gravitational pull that invites exploration and discovery. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of lost, unfinished, and imagined literature, providing a glimpse into the creative minds of writers who have crafted these fictitious works.
Visitors to the Grolier Club can immerse themselves in the realm of imaginary books, experiencing the thrill of encountering literary treasures that exist only in the realm of imagination. Byers’ curated collection showcases the artistry and innovation behind these fictive works, inviting audiences to ponder the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The exhibition serves as a tribute to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of literature, offering a captivating journey through the world of make-believe and creativity.
Source: The NY Times
