Heavenly Monkey is the imprint of publisher Rollin Milroy and is dedicated to creating books for people interested in contemporary applications of traditional book crafts.
Milroy studied journalism at Concordia University, during which time he wrote about popular music for a number of publications. After graduation he worked for 15 years in Canada, the United States and several South American Countries. Milroy was introduced to letterpress printing in 1997. In 1998 he undertook an apprenticeship with the proprietors of Barbarian Press Jan & Crispin Elsten. He also studied binding with the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild.
Milroy established Heavenly Monkey in 2000, which officially replaced A Lone Press, the first publication endeavour of Milroy’s which published books between 1998 and 1999. With only a few exceptions, all Heavenly Monkey books are printed from hand-set type on dampened handmade paper using a Washington handpress. Milroy plays a central role in the creative and production of all publications issued by Heavenly Monkey.
In 2005 Heavenly Monkey’s activities expanded to include publishing books created by others, under the imprint Heavenly Monkey Editions. Milroy's role in the production of these projects varies, from being involved with the conception, design and production (i.e. letterpress and binding), to simply fulfilling the role of publisher (i.e. promotion and distribution). Editions are typically of 50 copies or fewer.
Heavenly Monkey and Heavenly Monkey Editions are considered parallel, but separate, imprints. Some titles, such as The Shadow over Innsmouth (2005) have been published by both Heavenly Monkey and Heavenly Monkey Editions. As of 2010 Heavenly Monkey and Heavenly Monkey Editions have published over two dozen titles.
Source:
Heavenly Monkey. “Heavenly Monkey: letterpress & binding studio limited edition books.” http://www.heavenlyMonkey.com/ (accessed November 1, 2010).