Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson’s *Treasure Island* is a timeless adventure of buccaneers and buried gold that has profoundly shaped literature and popular culture. This Conversation Tree Press fine press edition presents Stevenson’s masterpiece in a format that includes a new introduction by Dr. Caroline Howitt and three essays by the author: "How This Book Came To Be," "A Gossip on Romance," and "The Persons of the Tale." Every copy features 52 pen and ink drawings by Marc Castelli, printed letterpress.

The edition is published in three states: Standard, Deluxe, and Lettered.

The Lettered State is limited to 26 copies inscribed A-Z. It is handbound by Ludlow Bookbinders in Harmatan and Oakridge leathers, featuring multiple onlays in different colours that create a topographic map of the island and surrounding areas. The book is letterpress-printed on 170gsm (120lb) Liber Charta paper. It measures 240mm by 340mm (9.5in by 13.4in) and contains 186 pages with text set in two columns. The head and tail bands are sewn by hand, and the top edge is gilded. The endsheets feature custom hand-marbled paper designed by Freya Scott at Paperwilds, inspired by a 1745 binding of *The History of England* held at the Nostell Priory. Each copy is signed by artist Marc Castelli; printers Pat Randle and Ellen Bills; and the binder from Ludlow Bookbinders who bound the specific copy.

The book is housed in a custom-made solid oak chest, modelled after those used by seamen at the time, designed to mimic the chest of Captain Bones. The final design includes the letter ‘B’ stamped on the top, in homage to the mark found on Captain Bones’s chest. Features of the chest include:

• Sides that slope inward, effectively lowering the center of gravity to enhance stability and prevent tipping.
• Hinges mounted on the inside, resulting in a flat top surface that offers comfortable seating.
• Runners at the bottom, elevating the base of the chest above the ground, safeguarding it from moisture and reducing the risk of damage.