The Canon of Aphrodisia. Deluxe Edition in 4 Vol. 2023. First Bite Press.

Culp, Miranda,  Delman, Jef. Portola Valley. First Bite Press. 2023.

English, Deluxe Edition, Fine, HC, 8vo, 7 ¾" x 4" x 3 ⅝”

Deluxe Edition, limited to 25 copies. The Canon of Aphrodisia is a collection of 12 short stories contained in four volumes, written by Jef Delman and Amatoria co-owner Miranda Culp, and illustrated by Amatoria Co-owner Laurelin Gilmore.The  authors explore a variety of classic tales from a more feminine and modern perspective. From the Authors’ Note: “Unlike much erotica or fan fiction that concludes with happily ever after, in these stories we let classic horror, fantasy, noir, fable, tragedy, sci-fi, fairy tales, and Americana maintain their organic integrity. We used sex as a fresh way to explore familiar character arcs and thematic elements, taking great care to present each tale in the idiom and voice of the original author when possible, so that each story might work on its own terms.

Each volume includes a hand painted frontispiece, leather spine, leather headbands, and decorative stamping and titling. The collection is housed in a telescoping box with an acrylic window to showcase the spines. Details include hand-marbled endsheets and a portfolio of hand printed erotic illustrations not included in the limited edition.

Typefaces used are Eric Gill’s Joanna and Perpetua. The books are printed on Arches Rives Lightweight Paper using Hanco Raven Black Ink on a Vandercook Universal III. Limited and deluxe bindings by Amy Borezo.