Harry Belafonte's Account of 1963 Comes to Life Through Montblanc's Partnership with Thornwillow Press

NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury brand Montblanc is pleased to announce the launch of the special-edition libretto, 1963, written by singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte. The special edition libretto will available through Thornwillow Press, the publishing house of handmade, limited-edition books, and will be given to an esteemed group of individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective fields.

The 1963 libretto is a deeply personal account of Mr. Belafonte's experience during the year 1963 and explores his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. and how they together assembled the historic March on Washington. This special-edition libretto celebrates the march's 50-year anniversary.

Under the patronage of Montblanc, the special edition series includes 149 leather and 4810 paper librettos, which will reach the hands of a select group of global leaders, pioneers, executives, patrons, tastemakers, scholars and artists.

Those numbers were not a matter of chance: 149 commemorates the original 149 Montblanc Meisterstuck writing instrument and 4810 represents the height of the Mont Blanc summit, the highest in Europe.

"As a brand, Montblanc intrinsically values enhancing culture through commemorating individuals who have made a profound impact on society," said President and CEO of Montblanc North America, Jan Patrick Schmitz.  "1963 exposes the passion and perseverance of a key player in the civil rights movement, Harry Belafonte. Montblanc is proudly celebrating Mr. Belafonte's achievements, courage and steadfastness through our partnership with Thornwillow Press."

This is the fifth time Montblanc and Thornwillow have partnered together -- a natural fit, as both brands' heritages are rooted in, and defined by, writing and publishing.

About Montblanc

For over 100 years, Montblanc has embraced the traditions of lasting value and exquisite craftsmanship. The company's uncompromising principles of design, style, quality and workmanship have allowed them to create heirloom collections that are passed from generation to generation. The iconic Montblanc emblem is a symbol of excellence – the pinnacle of luxury writing instruments, timepieces, jewellery, leather, fragrances and sunglasses – and the brand has made an enduring commitment to encourage excellence through cultural advancement. Montblanc has its roots in writing culture and therefore sees a particular obligation to its own cultural commitment. Through various international activities, the company makes a creative contribution to modern cultural life: Montblanc itself writes a small piece of cultural history.

About Thornwillow

Founded by Luke Ives Pontifell in 1985, Thornwillow Press is dedicated to producing handmade limited edition books and publications of the highest quality using only classic printing and engraving techniques. They also design and manufacture fine paper and stationery which draw from the aesthetic vocabulary and rich traditions of classical engraving and letterpress printing.

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www.montblanc.com

www.thornwillow.com

Media Contact:

Iesha Reed | Montblanc | Email | 908.517.5306

Katie Fox | Mission PR | Email | 212.219.2787

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SOURCE Montblanc