This course will engage the logic, procedures, and techniques of letterpress composition and printing as rhetorical, narrative, and poetic resources. Approaching letterpress as a materially based and physically structured writing process, we will arrive at book design as an extension of textual production. After a series of initiating exercises, students will devise a method and project to culminate in the composition of a book. Readings and discussions will situate our work in relation to a history of relevant literary experimentation. No prior experience with letterpress or book-making will be required. Note: this course has an optional lab following class meetings from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.