[Merle Armitage] Typography by Kistler

Item Details

"Typography By Kistler", a promotional booklet featuring seven (one has been removed) ads designed by the famous book designer and author Merle Armitage with typography and printing by Will A. Kistler Company, Los Angeles. Signed and inscribed by Armitage on cover sheet. 

Booklet is 15 x 10 inches. Staple and tape bound at top edge.  Missing one page and has suffered water damage to lower left corner throughout. Moderate soiling to wrappers. Fair condition.

In 1924 Merle Armitage co-founded the Los Angeles Grand Opera Association and served as its manager until 1930.  Armitage also was known within the theater/opera world as a set designer, tour manager, and theater and opera producer.  Armitage was a noted author, and his book designs are iconic and distinctive.
From the Online Archive of California, we learn that "William A. Kistler established a printing business in Los Angeles in 1910. After World War I he purchased a lithography firm. Merle Armitage and Jean Charlot were his first customers."

We find no record of this off-print in OCLC or in commerce.  A wonderful and unknown example of Armitage's design work with his ability to merge his love of typography and design with his vocation of opera manager.