(4) Artist’s Books by Keith Godard, 1972–1980 [Works Editions]

(4) individual books by Keith Godard (1938–2020), 1972–1980. Published under his imprint, Works Editions. Each softcover is 8 x 8, unpaginated. 

Godard was an award-winning graphic designer and educator best known for exhibition design, wayfinding and public art - “I try to be a renaissance person of the moment” (Steven Heller and Lita Talarico, Design Firms Open For Business, Allworth Press, 2013).

This charming set of promotional artist’s books are for children (and adults) of all ages. They are cleverly designed to demonstrate how the printed form can be interactive using simple methods such as paper textures, materials, die-cuts, and well-written stories. This collection includes:

• Itself,  1972. Works, New York. “A sincere tale for Yourself.” Sparse text and die-cut shapes remind you to be yourself!
• Sounds,  1972. Works, New York and Los Angeles. Listen carefully as you turn the pages - you'll experience the sounds and textures of Japanese, craft, tissue, glassine, foil, and more types of paper. There's even a surprise ending! Signed inside front cover “Keith Godard 81.”
  
• Glue, 1973. Works, New York and Los Angeles. “A story for all who appreciate glue.” Cover designed with two dollops of glue. Naturally, some pages are purposefully stuck together! Signed first page “Keith Godard 81.”
• Holdup, with Emmett Williams, 1980. Works, New York. For this collaborative book, Godard and poet Williams used their collection of friends’ thumbs. It is a nonsensical narrative of visual humor where the thumbs are the main characters. Signed first page “Keith Godard.”

An uncommon and very good collection with light handling throughout including: toned covers, small tears to the spines, and wear along the edges. Interior pages are clean.