Patricia Owen
Santa Monica, California

Edgar Allan Poe, The Murders in the Rue Morgue

The Murders in the Rue Morgue is the first of what Poe referred to as his "tales of ratiocination" and represents the formation of a model for a new convention in fiction. By a precise reasoned train of thought and observation of relevant facts, the mystery of two murders is solved by a clever young gentleman with an admirable companion to tell the tale. The design of the split board box binding with shaped boards is influenced by many aspects of the story, including the description of the main character's working manner as "frigid and abstract."

Calfskin, buffalo, goatskin, silk headband, ultrasuede flyleaves and paper pastedowns. 9.5 x 14.5 x 3.125 inches. 24 x 37 x 8 centimeters. Created 2018.

PATRICIA OWEN began her studies with Katherine Gerlach and Laura Young. After attending architecture school, she continued studying bookbinding with Eleanore Ramsey in San Francisco. Her work is exhibited in the US and abroad. She currently constructs design bindings and boxes in her studio in Santa Monica, California.