Guide to Canto a Matanzas: a collection of books from Ediciones Vigía, 1987-2019

John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2024

Collection Overview

Title:	Canto a Matanzas: A collection of books from Ediciones Vigía
Date range:	1987-2019
Creator:
Extent:	5 linear feet
Abstract:	Handmade art books produced by independent publisher Ediciones Vigía dating from 1987-2019.
Repository:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	Ms.2023.012

Scope & content

Artists' books published by Ediciones Vigía dating 1987-2019. Ediciones Vigía volumes vary in condition.

Access Points

Subject Topics

• Cuban literature -- 20th century -- Periodicals
• Artists' books -- Cuba -- Matanzas
• Literature, Modern -- Periodicals
• Illustrated periodicals -- Cuba
• Broadsides -- Cuba
• Cuban literature 20th century
• Artists' books Latin America
• Art, Cuban
• Artists' books Cuba Specimens
• Collages
• Specimens
• Authors, Cuban
• Rare Book Publishing evidence
• Small presses
• Publishers and publishing Cuba
• Printed ephemera Cuba Matanzas

Geographical Names

• Matanzas (Cuba)

Document Types

• Posters
• Artists' books
• zines
• limited editions

Arrangement

Arranged in chronological order.

Biographical/Historical Note

From the seller, Libros Latinos:

"Ediciones Vigia was founded by Alfredo Zaldivar and Rolando Estevez in Matanzas, Cuba in 1985. Their earliest printed materials consisted of invitations to poetry readings, concerts and theatrical productions mimeographed onto donated butcher paper. Over time, the project expanded to include original fiction, poetry, criticism, children's literature, and even cookbooks. These handmade books are produced collaboratively—from sourcing materials to production and assembly—but mostly reflect the creative vision of Estevez who was in charge of production until his departure in 2013. Vigia titles are perhaps best known for their highly original approach to book design. Materials not normally found in book production are readily incorporated in thoughtful ways. Also noteworthy is that these unique designs—which are known to include dried flowers, shards of glass, fistfuls of sand and salvaged antique lithographs—must be replicated: most books are produced in editions of 200."

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them
Preferred citation:	Canto a Matanzas: A collection of books from Ediciones Vigía, Ms.2023.012, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Sophia Papandonatou and Janaya Kizzie
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-01-18.
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
Sponsor:	From the seller, Libros Latinos: "Ediciones Vigía was founded by Alfredo Saldívar and Rolando Estévez in Matanzas, Cuba in 1985. Their earliest printed materials consisted of invitations to poetry readings, concerts and theatrical productions mimeographed onto donated butcher paper. Over time, the project expanded to include original fiction, poetry, criticism, children's literature, and even cookbooks. These handmade books are produced collaboratively—from sourcing materials to production and assembly—but mostly reflect the creative vision of Estevez who was in charge of production until his departure in 2013. Vigia titles are perhaps best known for their highly original approach to book design. Materials not normally found in book production are readily incorporated in thoughtful ways. Also noteworthy is that these unique designs—which are known to include dried flowers, shards of glass, fistfuls of sand and salvaged antique lithographs—must be replicated: most books are produced in editions of 200."

Additional Information

Related material:

Related Materials See also individually-cataloged works published by Ediciones Vigía at the John Hay Library.

Inventory

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