René Herse Book Update

Printing a book is a long and exciting process. During the last few months, almost every week, we have received a courier package with yet another step in the process for approval. First the plotter printouts, then the digital color proofs, paper and cover samples, and finally, the actual pages of the printed book. And now the latest package included a hand-bound copy of the final book. The real thing! It’s a hefty tome, 424 pages weighing almost 3 kg (6.5 pounds). More importantly, it’s beautifully produced, and the photos really turned out great.

Our printer, C S Graphics, is one of the best in the business. They specialize in art books, which is why they are so meticulous. When you do a high-end book on Vincent Van Gogh or John Singer Sargent, the colors must be exactly right, not just approximate. While I am glad that the colors of the studio photos of the René Herse bikes are exactly like the originals, I am more excited about the depth and detail shown in the many black-and-white photos in the book.

C S Graphics is not the least expensive printer, but their quality is unsurpassed. And for me, that is worth the extra money. I know this book is going to be cherished for many years, and that is why we have put everything we have learned during a decade of publishing books into this volume.
The books are being bound now, and will soon be on their way to Seattle. We hope to have them before long. In the mean time, we are working out ways to mail the books so they don’t get damaged; such a big (and beautiful) book cannot simply be stuffed into a padded envelope. We want to make sure your copy arrives in pristine condition for you to enjoy.
For more information on Bicycle Quarterly Press’ René Herse • The Bikes • The Builder • The Riders or to pre-order your copy, click here.