CODEX Book Fair 2026

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the First Bite Press table at the 2026 CODEX Book Fair in Oakland!

The event was an unique opportunity to spend a four days surrounded by the world’s best printers, bookbinders, and book artists. It was great to visit with old friends and make some new ones, as well as meet a few of our collectors in-person for the first time!

First Bite Press Table at CODEX Book Fair 2026 in Oakland.

My table neighbor for this bi-annual book fair was the amazingly talented wood engraver, Gaylord Schanilec. I have several of his fine press books in my personal collection, but I had never met him in person. He was so generous to share some of his artistic process with me. To be able to ask about materials and inspiration from someone like Schanilec is really priceless. Not to mention that other “greats” in the world of wood engraving stopped by his table to say “hi,” including Richard Wagener & Abigail Rorer.

Pat Reagh, Norman McKnight, and several other Bay Area master printers were making the rounds or had their own table, such as Li Jiang of Lemoncheese Press. Both local and East Coast bookbinders and artists who I’ve worked with for First Bite Press or taken classes from over the years were also in attendance. It was a pleasure to hold and admire the newest works of Mob of Two and to hear the details of their craft directly from them while being shown the books. Of any of the book artists that I collect personally, Sara and Tiana’s work considers process, materials, text, illustration, and craft and it coalesces into a reading experience that hits the reader on multiple levels.

I got a little teary-eyed looking at the gorgeous printing and typographical craft at Russell Maret’s table and when seeing the books of Jamie Murphy of The Salvage Press for the first time. I also finally met Rebecca Gilbert, a wood engraver whose work I greatly admire and have hanging on my studio walls. Yes, I might have been in a fan-girl mode for a significant portion of the fair, and I am leaving several friends and favorites out of this post. Tons of inspiration in one room. I returned to First Bite Press anxious to get back to work to improve my craft and make more books.

For those of you who purchased a copy of our newest publication, The Token of Dorian Gray, please know that we are working hard in the bindery to get those orders fulfilled as fast as possible. The response to the publication has been overwhelmingly positive. We are excited to get them into the hands of readers. Thank you for your support!

Happy Reading,

Stephanie