The Fine Press Book Association (FPBA) is an organization of individuals interested in the art of fine printing, formed with the goal of promoting the appreciation of beautiful books and printing skills.

FPBA had its first official meeting and issued the first issue of Parenthesis in 1998. Today it has a worldwide membership of those interested in the fine book and contemporary fine printing: collectors, printers, artists, illustrators, museums, libraries, and dealers.

It publishes Parenthesis, a journal devoted to fine printing and book-making, issues an occasional e-newsletter, organizes events for members and non-members, and has run competitions in book design.

Parenthesis is published twice a year and is free to members. To bring vitality and variety to Parenthesis, its production alternates between North America and the UK. In the Americas, Paul Razzell brings out the Fall issue, while production of the Spring issue is led by Sebastian Carter of Rampant Lions Press.

Each issue typically is 64 pages of articles and illustrations, many in color. Up to 90 de luxe members receive a special limited edition of Parenthesis, which is case-bound and presented in a slip case with a parcel of items specially printed by presses from around the world. For example, past parcels have included wood engravings by Gaylord Shanilec, Frank Martin, and Simon King, printing from Henry Morris and Nicolas McDowall, pochoir by Peter Allen and Ian Beck, and a poster for the Pennyroyal Caxton Press edition of the Holy Bible.

To join the FPBA, which includes a subscription to the journal, please click here.

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