Turn in the Path is an unusual enterprise . . . we make unique, one-of-a-kind and limited edition books and broadsides. Our books are hand lettered and artfully designed and produced.
Our name is unusual, too. It derives from a technique that was used in the Book of Kells, and perhaps other manuscripts of that era. It refers to a design that shows a stylized peacock directing the reader to the next line of text. It is necessary, and somewhat secretively puzzle-like, because the text continues on the line above rather than below. This reversal of direction – or turn in the path – also applies to how our book business came about. Eventually, you will be able to learn more about our history on this website.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy a few photographic samples of our work. We invite you to contact us by email or phone at 617-538-3279 if you would like to inquire about our work or commission a job. We also invite you to visit the website for our sister company, The Abbey Studio, at www.theabbeystudio.com.
Morris Manuscript: This image shows the title page of a ten-page, hand lettered manuscript containing four poems composed by William Morris. It is a one-of-a-kind, 9.5" X 13.25" manuscript, with calligraphy, design & gilding by Maryanne Grebenstein, and binding by Bexx Caswell. Click here to view a face sheet describing the Morris Manuscript. Private collection.
Christmas Scripture: This image shows a detail of a Christmas scripture, written on calfskin vellum with 23K gold leaf, gouache and sumi ink. Calligraphy & gilding by Maryanne Grebenstein. 14" X 18" NFS
Beatitudes: This image shows one page from a 24 page hand-lettered manuscript. The book, measuring 6" X 9.5" is hand bound in the coptic style with marbled paper and linen thread. Calligraphy and design by Maryanne Grebenstein. NFS
Wedding Book: This image is of a one-of-a-kind, hand lettered wedding book. It contains the entire ceremony - the vows, the message to the bride and groom, pronouncement of marriage,exchange of rings, scripture, etc. Boards covered with hand marbled paper, 7" X 9" Calligraphy and artwork by Maryanne Grebenstein. Please contact info@turninthepath.com or 617.538.3279 for information on creating a custom wedding book.
© 2010 Turn in the Path
Goblin Market: Hand lettered and decorated by Maryanne Grebenstein, this unique book contains the text of Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti. Approximately 12.5" X 9.5", 32 pages, hand bound by Bexx Caswell. Click here to view a face sheet describing Goblin Market. Part of the permanent collection at Cushing Memorial Library at Texas A&M University.
Annabel Lee: Hand lettered manuscript with calligraphy, gilding and decoration by Maryanne Grebenstein containing the poem 'Annabel Lee' by Edgar Allan Poe. Measuring 9.5" X 12.5" this one-of-a-kind book is written on Pergamenata paper stock with Moon Palace Sumi ink. It has been bound by Elizabeth Rideout of Shelburne, VT using marbled paper and book cloth. Click here to view a face sheet describing Annabel Lee. Available for sale through Kelmscott Bookshop, Baltimore, MD (www.kelmscottbookshop.com)
Pangur B'an: One-of-a-kind manuscript with hand-lettering and gidling by Maryanne Grebenstein containing the 9th century poem 'Pangur B'an' written by an Irish monk about his cat. Bound in cave paper over board by Bexx Caswell of Somerville, MA. Click here to view a face sheet describing Pangur B'an. Available for sale through Kelmscott Bookshop in Baltimore, MD (www.kelmscottbookhsop.com)
Sawfish: Hand lettered on exquisitely prepared calfskin vellum, this 10.5" X 11.5" single-page spread contains an explanation of the medieval legend of the sawfish. Raised 23K gold leaf and a miniature based on a medieval manuscript, combined with the Latin text and red silk binding will make you think you are holding a centuries-old manuscript. Calligraphy and decoration by Maryanne Grebenstein, binding by Bexx Caswell. Click here to view the face sheet describing the manuscript. Available for sale through Kelmscott Bookshop, Baltimore, MD (www.kelmscottbookshop.com)
For Whom the Bell Tolls: Hand lettered, decorated and bound by Maryanne Grebenstein, this unique-book contains the text of the poem For Whom the Bell Tolls by John Donne. Bound in the accordion style, it measures 4.75" X 6.75", and is decorated with gouache and palladium leaf. It can be read as a traditional book - by turning the pages - or displayed upright revealing all the text simultaneously. Click here to view a face sheet describing For Whom the Bell Tolls. It is available for sale through Kelmscott Bookshop in Baltimore, MD (www.kelmscottbookshop.com)
Ecclesiastes: Hand lettered manuscript with calligraphy, gilding and decoration by Maryanne Grebenstein containing the scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 - the familiar 'All things have their seasons' text. Measuring 4.5" X 6.25" this one-of-a-kind book is writeen on Zerkall ingres paper with Moon Palace Sumi ink. It contains letters illuminated with raised 23K gold and raised palladium letters. It has been bound by Samuel Feinstein Boston, MA using gold tooled purple leather and marbled paper. Click here to view a face sheet about the manuscript. Private collection.
Love Never Ends: Hand lettered manuscript with calligraphy, gilding and decoration by Maryanne Grebenstein containing the words of the apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13, the familiar 'Love is patient, love is kind . . . verses.' Measuring 9.5" X 13"" this one-of-a-kind book is written on Zerkall Ingres stock with Moon Palace Sumi ink and gilded with 23K gold leaf. It has been bound by Elizabeth Rideout of Shelburne, VT using decorative paper and book cloth. Click on the image above to see a larger image. Click here to view a face sheet describing Love Never Ends. Available for sale through Kelmscott Bookshop, Baltimore, MD (www.kelmscottbookshop.com)