Bronze Man Books Mission

Bronze Man Books is a student owned and operated press located in Decatur, Illinois. We are committed to the integration of high-quality design and meaningful content.

New Book

Moon's Edge (poetry)
by Natalie Perfetti
graphic design by Sarah Wika & Katie Baird
original drawings by Laramie Hutchens
ISBN 978-0978744106 • hand-sewn Japanese binding • © 2010
38 pages (6" X 9”) • $12.00 plus $2.50 postage

Bronze Man Books is pleased to announce the publication of Moon’s Edge by Natalie Perfetti. This collection of short Japanese verse is a hand-sewn tanka chapbook that resonates with the confessional works of Anne Sexton, and the voice of the modern Japanese poet, Akiko Yosano.

In the detailed forward by Dr. Carmella Braniger, Associate Profesor of English at Millikin University, she states that Perfetti gives “voice to that about which we seldom speak or write… each poem breathes with fullness. Rich textures and landscapes provide a space for contemplating the most important questions we can ask.” This chapbook is ideal for anyone who wishes to add raw desire and intensity to their collection, or wishes to explore contemporary English language tanka.

The author drew inspiration from themes such as love, sexuality, and womanhood throughout her life. Natalie Perfetti grew up in Lowell, Indiana, before studying literature and writing at Millikin University. She graduated with honors in spring 2009 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in literature at Florida State University. Her tanka have appeared in a number of magazines, including Tanka Society of America's official journa,l Ribbons.

The 38-page chapbook sells for $12. It includes original art by Laramie Hutchens, a Millikin art student. Special edition copies of the chapbook include an original print by Lauramie are available for $40 plus $2.50 postage. (Contact rbrooks@millikin.edu for special edition orders.) See the release reading & book signing photos.

Recent Publications

OOPS! Did I Say That - $12 
by Sarah Johnson
ISBN 978-0-9819591-0-8 • flipbook • © 2009
32 pages (6"X6") • $12.00 plus $2.50 postage

OOPS! Did I Say That is a guide to positive support for cancer patients. It is a picture book intended for all ages. Parents, family, friends, and visitors of cancer patients always struggle with what to say to be supportive or encouraging. This book helps all visitors and caregivers to be sensitive to the emotional and psychological challenges. Inspired by her own experience with cancer at the age of 14, Sarah K. Johnson created this book in the hopes of helping the caregivers to relay their genuine concern for a patient.

Millikin University Haiku Anthology - $25 
Edited by Dr. Brooks, Emily Evans, Rick Bearce & Melanie McLay
ISBN 978-0-9787441-6-8 • paperback • © 2008
192 pages (5.5” X 8.5”) • $25.00 plus $2.50 postage

The art of reading and writing haiku has been taught at Millikin University for over a decade, resulting in student publications in various literary journals. Their haiku are fresh, contemporary, and based on the feelings, insights and daily experiences of being a college student. This anthology includes 264 of the best haiku written by Millikin students and alumni. Each has been carefully selected to represent this haiku community, and to share the wonderful gift of haiku.

See a daily preview haiku from the Millikin University Haiku Anthology at Haiku of the Day. You may add this to your RSS feed reader at http://www.brooksbookshaiku.com/hod

Ray George: Life of a Master Printmaker - $40
by Edwin G. Walker
ISBN 978-0978744199 • paperback • © 2008
76 pages (8.5” X 12”) • $40.00 plus $2.50 postage

Millikin University and Bronze Man Books are honored to present this catalogue and accompanying exhibition as a tribute to the artist-educator Ray George (1933-2005). It is our hope that this very important project will become a valuable resource for additional scholarship on the life and work of the incredibly versatile and talented artist, Ray George .

Simple Universal (poetry & fiction) - $10
by Jeff Allen
ISBN 978-0978744182 • saddle-stitch • © 2008
32 pages (5.5"”X 9”) • $10.00 plus $2.50 postage

Jeff Allen's expressive collection is a compilation of poetry and fiction that is uniquely attributable to Jeff's own personal voice. Exploring themes such as escapism and the fleeting nature of life, Jeff's book is a wonderful debut piece for a young artist and the third in Bronze Man Books' chapbook series. Every copy of Simple Universal features a protective removeable cover featuring high quality letter press. In addition, Special Edition copies are available with original color prints by artist Lauren Wika.