Written and illustrated by Carol Cunningham

Mill Valley, CA; Sunflower Press, 1985. Hardcover. As new from the printer. First edition. Unpaginated (46 pp: vi, 40). Book is 2 ⁵/₈ (height) x 3 (depth) inches. A handmade miniature book. Printed letterpress on Shadowmould paper from type set by McKenzie-Harris. Numerous illustrations including some which are hand-colored in crayon, with several that are gold-stamped on black. Hand-bound with black endpapers.

Limited to 85 copies, numbered and signed by Carol Cunningham, of which 25 were hand-bound in a deluxe binding by Joseph D’Ambrosio. The deluxe binding is in the shape of an Incan temple, embossed to resemble stone, and encased in an acrylic slipcase. An Incan priest imprint in gold paper on the front endpaper is visible through the frame on the cover. The remaining 60 were hand-bound by Carol in llama-pattered cloth over boards.

Peru, largest and greatest of Pre-Columbian civilizations, a culture surrounded in mystery, was rich in gold. Carol’s fascination with Peru, combined with the llama fabric that cried out to her “Book Covers”, formed the inspiration for this tiny tome. Filled with Inca facts, lore, icons, and beautifully printed plates—it showcases the once-great Inca empire, and the treasure that lead to it’s downfall.

This book was the winner of the Distinguished Book Award in 1988 from the Miniature Book Society. (Subsquently Carol was also awarded the Norman Forgue award in acknowledgement of her contributions to the world of the miniature book. You can read more about her other prizes and awards here.)

Standard: $195
Deluxe: Sold out