This is believed to be a unique proof copy of Roger Buck’s wordless novel, Biraka, with the artist’s pencilled numbering on each page.

  • The cover is of thick card punched with two holes and bound with cord,
  • 7-1/4″ x 9″,
  • 67 original woodcuts,
  • The first third of the sheets have broken out of the string binding, which is also broken,
  • Inscribed by Buck on the half-title,
  • Each print has a pencilled numeral that corresponds to the pencilled numeral for the print titles in the index at the back,
  • This copy is presumably the mock-up (dummy) for the press works.
Roger Buck's wordless novel, Biraka, showing the cover of the proof copy and string binding.
Roger Buck's wordless novel, Biraka, showing the copyright page and stating it was handprinted by the artist from the original woodblocks.
Roger Buck's wordless novel, Biraka, showing the introduction page with pencilled inscription by the artist.
We have not identified who Eddie is.
Roger Buck's wordless novel, Biraka, showing the introduction by Dorothy Wilcock.
The introduction was cut from the wood ie not printed with movable type.
Roger Buck's wordless novel, Biraka, showing a sample page.
Image pencil number “2”

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