Canto a Matanzas: A collection of books from Ediciones Vigía (Ms.2023.012)

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."