The design of this edition from The Melville Press reflects the beauty and simplicity of R.L.Stevenson’s prayers. Catherine Kanner began her design with linoleum cut illustrations of Mrs. R.L. Stevenson’s introduction. These images carry the reader to the island of Vailima and up to the Stevenson home where the prayers were read by the family and their Samoan friends. Each of the prayers is accompanied by a picture which reflects Stevenson’s deep appreciation of his island home. The images were printed letterpress from Ms Kanner’s original cuts. The cover of the book is brick red silk, blind stamped with a double orchid. This orchid is found on the dust jacket as well. Thai red endpapers with mango leaves suggest the forest floor. Bonnie Thompson Norman of The Windowpane Press printed letterpress on handmade Hiromi Sansui rice paper. The paper was selected for its lightness and softness, as a prayer offered up to heaven. The type face is Bembo. Allwyn O’Mara has French folded the signatures, binding within each fold an inter-leaving paper to promote opacity. The signatures were sewn with a 13th century technique which allows the pages to fall open completely. A ribbon is included for marking the prayers. Ms Kanner has created a book which feels as though it might have been made on the island; one which celebrates the power of Stevenson’s prayers.