French-inspired Lilly Library exhibit explores illustrated books of poetry

A blue, wooden, square-shaped box with shards of glass fastened to its front sits in a display case at IU's Lilly Library. A wire frame covers the pieces of glass. The box exists as a cover of a book on display in the library in an exhibit titled "The Powerful Lesson of the Eye," which explores illustrated books.\nWhat makes these books different from an average published work is that both a poet and artist collaborated to create odd-shaped books with vibrant colors. Most of these poets and artists have either lived or worked in France at one time or another in their lives. In total, 78 of these books are on display at the Lilly Library. \nSome are big, some are small and others are uniquely shaped. One is even in the shape of an accordion. Poets and artists worked with printers to achieve unusual letter shapes. In addition to the printer, paper makers were called upon for most of the books to make rare, hand-made papers. Because of the intricacy of the books, most only have about 50 printed copies world wide. \n"The whole idea started in France when Édouard Manet did several drawings of Stéphane Mallarmé's translation of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven,'" said Rosemary Lloyd, professor of French literature. "There are many examples in other countries now -- the U.S., Australia, England and other European countries as well." \nThere are a few artists who are featured more prominently than others in the works. On the artist side, Joan Miró appears frequently, while Francis Ponge and Yves Bonnefoy are the most prominent poets.\nLloyd said inspiration for illustrations comes in different ways. Sometimes a poet will present a poem for an artist to illustrate, and other times an artist will have a painting or drawing they would like the poet to put words to. \n"It works both ways, or the two of them can take on a theme," she said. \nLloyd decided to start the exhibit because she knew most people had no idea that the library owns such books. A similar exhibit in Paris also inspired her. \n"I think it's a wonderful, interesting exhibit, and I hope others enjoy it," she said.\nThe exhibit runs until Dec. 20, the end of the first semester, in the main lobby of the Lilly Library.