Arroyo Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 1

Los Angeles, CA: Arroyo Guild Press, 1909. First Edition . Paperback. Very Good Plus. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. This is the first and only issue of the magazine, Arroyo Craftsman, and was published October 1909. Publication of issues was contemplated on a quarterly basis. One of an unstated limitation. 9 x 6 inches. Lightest spruce blue wrappers, with substantial amounts of black-stamped lettering to the front and rear wrappers and, to the front wrapper, a sunburst design in golden yellow with a hand-held hammer and the motto "We Can" in a ribbon. The wrapper paper has faded evenly to a blue-beige. The wrappers are very clean. With 67 numbered pages, plus xv numbered pages of adverts in the rear. There are numerous B&W illustrations, including photo-plates, drawings and plans. A 1 inch tear to the rear wrapper has been expertly repaired; else no pre-existing faults. An exceptionally clean copy. The wrappers protected by a new, heavy-duty, clear Mylar wrap-around. A Very Good Plus copy. Extremely scarce in any condition. In October 1909, influenced by William Morris, the Stickley brothers and the Roycroft community, James published the "Arroyo Craftsman" through the Arroyo Guild Press. For the serious collector of books and writings on the California Arts and Crafts movement and, in particular, the Pasadena center of that movement, this magazine issue will take its place as one of the crowning glories of the collector's library.