One of 30 Secret Copies

The Book of Genesis Illustrated [Signed, Roman Numeral]

Crumb, R.

Notes: One of Crumb's smallest book limitations, one of thirty copies numbered using Roman numerals, a limitation not recorded on the colophon or in any reference I could locate. Presumably these thirty copies were set aside for the author and perhaps the publisher. Instead of using Arabic numerals on the limitation page, this copy is numbered xviii. Like the regular numbered issue, this copy has a nine-color serigraph (silkscreen) of the opening illustration to Genesis 1 signed by Crumb, but instead of being numbered out of 250 copies, this is xviii/xxx.

"A faithful adaptation of the Book of Genesis, noted in part for its racy sexuality... The book reached number one on the New York Times Graphic Novels Bestseller list and was awarded Harvey and Eisner awards."—The Cambridge Companion to the Graphic Novel, p. 54.

"Superb"—The Cambridge History of the Graphic Novel.

This is one of 30 numbered with Arabic numerals, signed by Crumb on the limitation page and again on the laid in silkscreen print, also signed by Crumb, with a matching number. The print, measuring 8 by 10 inches, is laid into a glassine envelope. (NB: Sometimes limited editions use both Roman and Arabic numerals within the total limitation number; this is not the case for Genesis, as I have seen copies number below 30 with Arabic numerals).

Edition + Condition: First edition (first printing). A fine hardcover copy in a fine slipcase (no dust jacket, as issued). Screenprint also fine. A rare, unrecorded copy, XVIII out of XXX.

Publication: New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2009.

Item No: #363183

Price: $2,000