Collaboration honours print and publishing trade

Posted: Wednesday May 05, 2021

Bespoke hardcover book Alert Level Four is the fruit of a special collaboration, says author Athol Parks. Parks worked with Graeme McKinstry, of MCK Design, and David Stedman, of Dutybound, to produce the book, which chronicles each day of New Zealand's 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

“The project was born of adversity. I found myself in lockdown, along with the rest of New Zealand and a fair chunk of the globe. I needed to write my thoughts down, to process what was happening. And I needed a memento.”

An experienced writer, Parks had never completed a book. “Suddenly I had the time, and the theme.” Parks has a tour company, City Walks, which is still operating. Yet with a pandemic raging, he felt it wise to bridge out.

“It has been such a joy, and so interesting, working with these guys. They are true professionals.” Parks hopes that their combined effort will contribute to the proud tradition of printing and publishing here.

“The book is handmade, more or less. Only 50 exist. I think the writing stands up; I know the production does. If anything grates, it'll be something I've insisted on, against the others' better judgement.”

Alert Level Four will be launched at Dutybound, 57 Crawford Street, on Thursday 6 May, from 6pm.