Henry Miller — Insomnia, or the Devil at Large, 1970 — Signed Loujon Press Edition G — Wooden Portfolio with 12 Broadsides

Henry Miller — Insomnia, or the Devil at Large, 1970

Signed Loujon Press Edition G — Complete Deluxe Portfolio with 12 Broadsides

Henry Miller (1891–1980)
Insomnia, or the Devil at Large
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Loujon Press, 1970

One of the most elaborate and visually ambitious productions of the legendary Loujon Press, issued in a complex series of deluxe editions combining Henry Miller’s writing, artwork, correspondence, photography, and experimental book design.

This is Edition “G,” one of 385 copies, signed and dated by Henry Miller, May 1, 1970, on the colophon.

The spiral-bound book is extensively illustrated with photographs, facsimile letters and manuscripts, engravings, and reproductions of Miller’s artwork, and retains the striking gold-and-yellow foil dust jacket.

Accompanying the book are 12 large-format broadsides reproducing works by Miller, each measuring approximately 22 × 17 inches, together with a cardstock plate bearing a pictorial title label.

The entire production is housed in its remarkable original 24 × 20-inch custom wooden portfolio box, covered in decorative gold-leaf paper and fitted with a sliding front panel bordered with contrasting wood inlay. The book rests within a specially formed recessed compartment inside the case.

Affixed to the interior rear panel of the portfolio is an additional unsigned image measuring approximately 12½ × 9 inches, described in the original auction catalog as possibly an original painting or print. Its precise medium has not been determined.

The exterior of the portfolio features a photographic image of Henry Miller with his wife, Hiroko “Hoki” Tokuda, together with the title, and retains an engraved metal subscriber’s plaque bearing the name Douglas Edward Dillard.

Also preserved are a Loujon Press broadside and an especially interesting handwritten letter from publisher Jon Webb discussing the pricing of the various editions of Insomnia, providing unusual documentary material relating directly to the publication and marketing of the work.

Loujon Press, founded by Jon and Louise Webb, became celebrated for its highly individual handmade publications and collaborations with writers including Miller and Charles Bukowski. Insomnia represents one of the press’s most extravagant undertakings, blurring the boundaries between book, portfolio, archive, and art object.

Edition: Edition “G,” one of 385 copies
Signed: Signed and dated by Henry Miller, May 1, 1970
Publisher: Loujon Press, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date: 1970
Book dimensions: 12 × 8½ in.
Broadsides: 12, approximately 22 × 17 in. each
Portfolio: Approximately 24 × 20 in.
Additional material: Loujon Press broadside and handwritten letter from Jon Webb

Condition

Contents fine. The outer wooden portfolio shows general light wear, including rubbing and some chipping to the cover photograph, several minute edge tears, and a larger chip to the wood along the upper portion of the right edge. Interior foam shows age toning. The book, broadsides, and accompanying printed material remain very well preserved.

A particularly complete example of one of Loujon Press’s most ambitious productions, combining Henry Miller’s writing and visual art with exceptional handmade presentation, extensive supplemental material, and the author’s signature.