Capolan: Travels of a Vagabond Country Artbox Paperback – April 1, 1997

I love everything done by Nick Bantock. I've never been able to figure out if he's an Artist/Author or an Author/Artist. He excels in both fields which is rare. This art box is filled with his artwork postcards along with a faux stamp. For me the best part though is the small pamphlet that gives a fiction history of Capolan. Bantock makes his travel and historical writing ring so true that I was forced to Wikipedia to make sure (really) sure that there was no basis in history.This is another fun offering from one of the most creative men of our era.

Nick Bantock is a genius. He is a both a gifted writer and artist. He inspired my own creative musings in the world of digital collage over 10 years ago and each work of art is a rich puzzle that gives you new visual clues every time you revisit. I recommend any of his box sets and books. Capolan, in particular, is a wonderful introduction to Bantock's work as it showcases some vividly imaginative stationery in addition to telling the story of the fictitious lands of Capolan. If you know someone who collects unique stationery, this will take their breath away. It's almost too beautiful to put to use.

An inspiring artist/ author. Love anything written by Nick Bantock!

Great adventure

Wonderful art, innovative presentation. Nick Bantock does not disappoint.

These are very creative images in postcard and stamp forms. Great for collages.

After reading the reviews available for this title, I decided to pass on this book when it first came out. However, when I received it as a gift this past Xmas, I felt extremely foolish for allowing others to influence my decisions.Nick Bantock is my favorite of all modern authors because, after reading his work, I always feel a liberation from the "face value" of things, or ordinary-ness, and a return to thinking of things in terms of the plausibly extraordinary."Capolan" is a superb vehicle for inducing this sort of thinking, and I know I will be using it often as the mental jump-start I occasionally need to avoid "coloring within the lines.""Yeah, yeah...but is it any good?" I've heard several people ask since I read this book.Well, that depends on whether you can appreciate things that could be, but more than likely aren't, yet still should be. Confused? Then buy the book and discover for yourself. For me, Bantock's books have always been about suspending one's disbelief from the rafters until it's blue and quivering, and "Capolan" is no exception. Thus, it's a wonderful book for me, and it's been a wonderful book for others to whom I've gifted it.

Nick Bantock has come up with a very innovative idea -- make a commemorative souvenir for the anniversary of a nation that has chosen not to exist. I have to admit, I really like the concept, but I was hoping for more of a story than a little 40-page booklet (which, in reality, is not much more than a pamphlet) explaining the heritage of these people. There's such a rich story waiting to come out, and all Bantock does is scratch the surface. I would have loved to find out more, but there's nothing else but stamps and postcards from which I could glean information. I've got almost all of Bantock's other material, and I have to say that, while it's probably one of the most visually satisfying works, it's one of the least satisfying as far as storyline goes. It's a good addition for an avid Bantock collector, but if you're looking to begin a love affair with his work, start with The Venetian's Wife or the Griffin and Sabine Trilogy.

Un fort beau livre en parfait état