Opera of the Worms, 1984. Limited edition letterpress collaborative artist's book featuring images by Judy Rifka and text by Rene Ricard. [44] pp. + [1] pp.; 30.7 x 23.5 cm. (book) ; 30.9 x 23.1 cm. (print) ; 31.4 x 24.7 cm. (inner slipcase) ; 32.4 x 24.6 cm.; loose leaves; slipcase; black-and-white & color. Handset and printed letterpress by Carol Bundy on Dieu Donne handmade paper with colors printed in lithography by Judith Solodkin.  Copy No. 9 of the edition of 80 + 20 A.P, signed to limitation page by Judy Rifka and Rene Ricard, and with separate letterpress print, signed and numbered AP 9 by Rifka.  Housed in a two part cloth slipcase. 12 3/4 x 9 5/8 x 1 in. [32.4 x 24.4 x 2.5 cm].  Light dust soiling to slipcase elements, internally very fine throughout. Originally issued at a price of $750.

This lovable collaboration between painter Judy Rifka and noted and notorious artist/poet/critic Rene Ricard, pairs an amusing Ricard text, which nobly attempts meter and rhyme, with delectable lithographs by Rifka, picturing butterflies, frogs, a huge caterpiller, a trellis and a rake. Cheerful and animated, both collaborators avoid the merely precious.