The Golden Touch
Overview
The Golden Touch is a short story written by renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Originally published in 1851 as part of his collection A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys,[1] the story is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of King Midas, a ruler who was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold. Hawthorne's adaptation has become one of his most enduring and beloved tales for children, capturing the imaginations of generations of readers.[2] The edition under examination was published in 1939 by Peter Pauper Press, a small private press founded by Peter and Edna Beilenson in 1928. The press was known for its commitment to creating fine, limited edition books using high-quality materials and traditional craftsmanship, while still maintaining affordable prices. This approach exemplified the ideals of the private press movement that flourished in the early 20th century, which sought to counter the mass production of books by focusing on the art and craft of bookmaking.[3]
Physical Description and Production
The 1939 Peter Pauper Press edition of The Golden Touch is a small folio volume, measuring approximately 10 inches in height. The book is bound in a luxurious cream silk cloth, which provides a smooth, supple texture and an elegant appearance. The spine features a paper label, a traditional method for displaying the title and author's name in fine press books of this era. Although the label has faded over time, it adds a touch of classic charm to the book's exterior. One of the most striking aspects of this edition is the choice of paper. The text is printed on Canson and Montgolfier mould-made paper, a high-quality stock produced by the renowned French paper mill founded by the Canson and Montgolfier families in the 16th century. This paper is known for its durability, luxurious texture, and ability to beautifully showcase the printed word and illustrations.[4] The pages feature a deckle edge, a slightly rough, uneven edge that mimics the look of handmade paper, adding to the book's artisanal feel. The text of The Golden Touch is set by hand in Lutetia type, a serif font that evokes the elegance and readability of traditional book typography. The choice of Lutetia contributes to the overall aesthetic of the book, creating a harmonious balance between the text and the generous margins that surround it. The ample margins not only provide a visual respite for the reader's eyes but also serve to showcase the quality of the paper and the skill of the bookmaker. Throughout the book, several color illustrations bring Hawthorne's story to life. These illustrations, featuring delicate lines and vibrant hues, complement the text and enhance the reader's experience. The use of gold accents in the illustrations is particularly striking, as it echoes the central theme of the story—the allure and danger of unbridled greed. The gold catches the light and adds a sense of opulence to the pages, making the book feel like a true treasure.
Historical Context and Significance
The publication of this edition of The Golden Touch in 1939 coincides with a period of renewed interest in fine press books and traditional craftsmanship in the United States. The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on American society, with widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. In the face of these challenges, many Americans sought solace in the enduring values of art, literature, and craftsmanship.[5] The private press movement, which had its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, experienced a resurgence during this time. Private presses like Peter Pauper Press sought to create books that celebrated the art of the book, focusing on quality materials, traditional techniques, and thoughtful design. By producing books that were both beautiful and affordable, these presses aimed to make fine books accessible to a wider audience, democratizing the pleasure of owning and reading well-crafted volumes.[6] In this context, the 1939 edition of The Golden Touch can be seen as a manifestation of the values and ideals of the private press movement. By combining high-quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and a classic tale, Peter Pauper Press created a book that was both a beautiful object and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The book's publication during a time of economic hardship and social upheaval also speaks to the enduring appeal of timeless stories and the comfort and inspiration they can provide in difficult times.
Themes and Interpretations
Hawthorne's retelling of the King Midas myth in The Golden Touch explores the dangers of unchecked greed and the importance of valuing the truly precious things in life. The story follows the foolish King Midas, who wishes for the ability to turn everything he touches into gold. At first, Midas revels in his newfound power, transforming his surroundings into a glittering, golden world. However, he soon realizes the folly of his wish when he accidentally turns his beloved daughter into a golden statue.[7] Through this cautionary tale, Hawthorne invites readers to consider the true nature of wealth and happiness. The story suggests that the most valuable things in life, such as love, family, and the simple joys of nature, cannot be measured in material terms. Midas's tragic experience serves as a reminder that an obsession with riches can lead to the loss of the very things that make life meaningful.[8] The themes of The Golden Touch are particularly resonant in the context of the Great Depression, a time when many Americans were forced to confront the limitations of material wealth in the face of economic hardship. Hawthorne's story offers a timeless reminder of the importance of cherishing the intangible blessings in life, a message that would have held special significance for readers in 1939.
Evidence of Readership and Circulation
The copy of The Golden Touch described here provides insight into the book's readership and circulation through an inscription from a previous owner. On the inside cover, the name "Mary Alice Willoughby" is written, along with the date "April 12, 1940". This inscription suggests that Mary Alice Willoughby either purchased the book herself or received it as a gift just a year after its publication, indicating that the book found an audience relatively quickly. The presence of a personal inscription also hints at the value placed on the book by its owner. The act of inscribing one's name in a book is often a sign of attachment or a desire to mark the book as a cherished possession. In this case, the inscription serves as a tangible link between the book and its past, offering a glimpse into the personal history of this particular copy. The excellent condition of the book, with minimal signs of wear and no marginalia or other marks, suggests that it was treated with care by its owners over the years. This preservation is a testament to the enduring appeal of finely crafted books and the value placed on them by readers who appreciate the artistry and skill involved in their creation.
Conclusion
The 1939 Peter Pauper Press edition of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Golden Touch is a remarkable example of the private press movement's commitment to creating beautiful, accessible books that celebrate the art of bookmaking. By combining high-quality materials, traditional techniques, and skilled craftsmanship, this edition embodies the ideals of fine press books in the early 20th century, while also showcasing the timeless appeal of Hawthorne's cautionary tale. The book's publication during the Great Depression highlights the enduring power of literature to provide comfort, inspiration, and perspective in times of hardship. The story's themes of valuing the truly precious things in life and the dangers of unchecked greed resonate with readers across generations, making The Golden Touch a classic that continues to captivate and enlighten. This particular copy, with its inscription from Mary Alice Willoughby, serves as a tangible connection to the book's past and a reminder of the personal histories that are often woven into the fabric of the books we cherish. The care with which it has been preserved over the years is a testament to the enduring appeal of beautiful books and the stories they contain. In the end, the 1939 Peter Pauper Press edition of The Golden Touch stands as a shining example of the private press movement's legacy, a celebration of the art of the book, and a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the beauty and wisdom found in literature can serve as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for generations to come.
References
- ↑ Hawthorne, Nathaniel. A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields, 1851.
- ↑ Laffrado, Laura. Hawthorne's Literature for Children. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 1992, pp. 67-73.
- ↑ Cave, Roderick. The Private Press, 2nd edition. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1983, pp. 162-164.
- ↑ Bidwell, John. "Fine Paper at the Oxford University Press and the Bibliography of Fine Books." The Library s6-10, no. 3 (1988): 268-270.
- ↑ Thompson, Susan Otis. American Book Design and William Morris. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1977, pp. 118-125.
- ↑ Ransom, Will. Private Presses and Their Books. New York: R. R. Bowker, 1929, p. 327.
- ↑ Hawthorne, Nathaniel. A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields, 1851, pp. 37-66.
- ↑ Kesterson, David B. "Hawthorne's Midas: A Subtle Alchemist." The New England Quarterly 47, no. 3 (1974): 438-445.