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Running a secret society no.20

Artist's Book
2004 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This artist's book purports to be an instruction manual on how to run a secret society and grew out of the artist's fascination with the bizarre rituals that members of secret societies are known to indulge in. The book contains numerous sections of 'useful' advice, updated between editions, on how to remain incognito. The present edition includes a section on revised handshakes and signals with illustrations (including 'handshakes for experienced users only'). The introduction includes the ultimate nonsensical advice on 'How to remain secret' which is not to let anyone join your society - one member is the maximum recommended. The brown manila stapled binding containing 8 pages is accompanied by a 'Courtesy hand-markings recognition chart', an envelope containing a secret password and computer enhanced technology (i.e. a match) designed to aid the destruction of the work once memorised. The foreword is signed by 'Commander-in-chief': J. Batey.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleRunning a secret society no.20 (published title)
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Artist's book, 'Running a secret society no. 20', by Jackie Batey, Brighton, 2004

Physical description
Artist's book (iii, 8 pages) stapled into brown paper covers. Accompanied by 1 green courtesy hand-markings recognition chart, 1 secret password card in a small brown envelope, and 1 matchstick in a small plastic zip-lock bag.

Limited ed. of 20 copies.
Library's copy is no. 1.





Dimensions
  • Height: 18cm
  • Width: 12cm
Summary
This artist's book purports to be an instruction manual on how to run a secret society and grew out of the artist's fascination with the bizarre rituals that members of secret societies are known to indulge in. The book contains numerous sections of 'useful' advice, updated between editions, on how to remain incognito. The present edition includes a section on revised handshakes and signals with illustrations (including 'handshakes for experienced users only'). The introduction includes the ultimate nonsensical advice on 'How to remain secret' which is not to let anyone join your society - one member is the maximum recommended. The brown manila stapled binding containing 8 pages is accompanied by a 'Courtesy hand-markings recognition chart', an envelope containing a secret password and computer enhanced technology (i.e. a match) designed to aid the destruction of the work once memorised. The foreword is signed by 'Commander-in-chief': J. Batey.

Other number
801.AG.0059 - NAL Pressmark
Collection
Library number
38041005204037

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Record createdApril 30, 2014
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