Cadetten-almanak 1903

This Cadetten-Almanak, or Cadets Almanac, was produced in 1903 by Naamloze Vennootschap Bredasche Boekh. en Uitgev.-Mij. I love the way the creamy paper has aged, developing these beautiful mottled areas like watercolour stains. The texture of the paper seems almost palpable, inviting you to touch it. It is the colour of bone, or old linen, a little like the ground of a painting that has aged over many years. The way it's been printed, with each character of text perfectly placed, it feels almost like each page is a unique print or drawing. It reminds me of some of the work of Dieter Roth, who explored the book as a form, not just for its content, but as a material object. Roth was interested in the aging process, and how the passing of time transforms everyday objects into something completely new. I guess this almanac invites us to reflect on how time shapes our perception and understanding of history.