A Humument
A Treated Victorian Novel
(Autor) Tom PhillipsIn 1966 the artist Tom Phillips discovered A Human Document (1892), an obscure Victorian romance by W.H. Mallock, and set himself the task of altering every page, by painting, collage or cut-up techniques, to create an entirely new version. Some of Mallock's original text remains in tact and through the illustrated pages the character of Bill Toge, Phillips's anti-hero, and his romantic plight emerges. First published in 1973, A Humument - as Phillips titled his altered book - quickly established itself as a cult classic. Since then, the artist has been working towards a complete revision of his original, adding new pages in successive editions. That process is now finished. This 50th anniversary edition presents, for the first time, an entirely new and complete version of A Humument. This edition includes a revised Introduction by the artist, reflecting on the last 50 years' work on this project, and 92 new illustrated pages. A Special Limited edition is also available: this presents a copy of the 50th anniversary edition in a clamshell box with a limited-edition print, signed by the artist.
Tom Phillips
Tom Phillips is a British artist and writer known for his innovative approaches to literature and visual art. His most notable work is "A Humument: A Treated Victorian Novel," a groundbreaking project where he transformed a Victorian novel, "A Human Document" by W.H. Mallock, into a new work of art through erasure and manipulation of the text.
Phillips' literary style is characterized by his use of found materials, collage, and experimentation with language. He has made significant contributions to the genre of experimental literature, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of narrative and storytelling.
His work has had a lasting impact on the literary world, inspiring other artists and writers to explore new ways of creating and interpreting literature. Tom Phillips continues to be a prominent figure in the world of contemporary art and literature, known for his innovative and thought-provoking work.