My Digital Wayzgoose

This year, my contribution to the Grimsby Wayzgoose is distinctly digital.  I’ve (finally!) completed a detailed bibliographic database of all signatures appearing in every edition of the Grimsby Wayzgoose Anthologies (1981 – 2018).   The Index of Wayzgoose Anthologies offers a searchable database with detailed records for each signature appearing in the Anthology, including the title, printer(s) and artist(s), the name of the private press, location and, perhaps most important, the text appearing in the colophon.

For years, I’ve felt that the Grimsby Wayzgoose and the Anthologies are unique and a essential part of modern Canadian publishing and book arts.  Its forty-plus years offer a fascinating glimpse into the still-vital world of hand-crafted books and allied arts – and is an important part of Canadian book history.  Maybe it’s the librarian inside me, but I’ve felt a comprehensive index of Grimsby contributors and editions has been sorely lacking.

For this reason, I’ve spent the past few years working through each volume of the Grimsby Wayzgoose Anthologies — transcribing pertinent bibliographic information for all the signatures and their contributors.  I’ve found the information in the colophons are absolutely fascinating. Not only do these provide production notes for each signature, but we’re often treated to a glimpse into the heart of the artist. And over time, we can trace the growth of the Grimsby Wayzgoose, its major contributors and influencers (Bill Poole! George Walker!), the evolving techniques and technologies used by the artists.

I invite you to browse the index; discover and celebrate some of the hidden gems amongst within this unique component of Canadian publishing.

Index to the Grimsby Wayzgoose Anthologies

*and I’m happy to correct any typos or errors you find!  Send a note to info(a)thecrankypress(dot)ca.