Suo devoto Giacomo Puccini (Ed. Cento Amici del Libro)

This is the second book designed and produced by Archivio Tipografico for the Cento Amici del Libro association, a cultural organization active in the field of book collecting. This year’s title, Suo devoto Giacomo Puccini, brings to light, on the centenary of the composer’s death, an unpublished letter written by Puccini to his friend and publisher Giulio Ricordi.

The book unfolds in a multi-layered narrative:
The letter is reproduced using photopolymer plates to preserve the original handwriting and expressiveness, then broken down into short passages.
The transcription of the letter follows immediately after its reproduction.
The final section features a short analytical essay by Gabriella Biagi Ravenni, President of the Centro Studi Giacomo Puccini, providing historical context.

All texts are interspersed with original intaglio engravings by Vito Tongiani, depicting daily moments and familiar elements from Puccini’s life. The book was designed and produced in collaboration with Sonia Gavazza and bound by Bottega dei Gozzi.

Different printing techniques were used:
Intaglio for Tongiani’s original engravings, Photopolymer plates for the letter reproduction, Lead type from the Magister series for the transcription and essay.

The Cento Amici del Libro association produces one book per year exclusively for its members, often featuring unpublished texts and artworks.