• Miki HaKosem, by Mariam Bartov. A unique handmade children's book, silkscreened; printed in twenty copies only. Self publication, 1981. Signed by Bartov.
A charming children's book, with no text, consisting of colorful silkscreen prints – naïve attractive illustrations telling the story of "Miki HaKosem" (Miki the Magician), a boy who finds a magic wand which makes various things bigger. The story is told through prints in different sizes. Most of the pages include one or more flaps with continuous illustrations. The text (in Hebrew) is printed in a folded leaflet accompanying the book. At the beginning appear the details: "The book was printed by hand in an edition of 20 copies by Mariam Bartov and Ruth Bauman, Omer, 1981". Ruth Bauman's name appears on the back cover of the book as well, but was obscured. Signed by Bartov on the title page, in red ink.
Oblong quarto, 35.5X27 cm. [26] leaves. Cardboard binding, silkscreen prints. The prints are bound with read thread. Good condition. Spots on binding, creases and minor damages to its borders. Inner leaves of book in very good condition. Corrections with white paint to some of the prints (where the colors surpassed the illustration's frame). The book's binding is protected by a thin plastic cover.
• A handwritten letter by Mariam Bartov, addressed to Mr. Bergmann, of the German publishing house Bundesverlag. Netanya, 1985, German.
Bartov thanks the addressee for his interest in “Mickey und der Zauberstab”, explaining that it took her over two years to make the book by hand, and indicates that the work, for children ages 3-5, is a gift for the Bundesverlag, who she hopes will publish it.
Leaf, 20 cm. Good condition. Creases and folding marks.
Attached is a photocopy of a text handwritten by Bartov – translation of the first part of the book into English (the English translation is mentioned in the letter).
Mariam Bartov (1914-2012), an Israeli author, painter and illustrator for children, born in Hamburg. In 1949 created her first book, Alikama HaKatan (the story was written with her guidance by Yehudah Gabai, based on a story which she used to tell her children). The book was very successful. Later on, Bartov wrote and illustrated many more books. She illustrated for “Davar” and “Mishmar LeYeladim” newspapers. Bartov also painted; her works won artistic appreciation and were exhibited in various exhibitions all over the country. Won in 1986 the Ben-Yitzhak Prize, awarded by the Israel Museum to an exceptional illustrator of children’s books.