Category Archives: Authors and literature

The Wonderful Women of Oz

With the recent premiere of the long-awaited movie adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s book, Wicked, there is much talk about not only Glinda and Elphaba, two of Oz’s most famous witches, but also the larger Wizard of Oz universe. While we … Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy and Activism, American Literature, Authors, Authors and literature, Uncategorized, women's history, Women's suffrage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Friendship in the Books

For dearest Olga—who knows, loves and writes books—from a kindred soul with love and admiration. Ishbel Ross. Christmas 1964, inscription in An American Family: The Tafts, 1678 to 1964. For Olga Arnold—dear and understanding friend. Devotedly, Ishbel Ross. Christmas 1967, … Continue reading

Posted in Authors and literature, Biography and profiles, Book Category, Journalism, Uncategorized, Women in History, Women Writers, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Over the Rainbow: Toppan Rare Book Library’s 1939 Oz Books

In the days before streaming became commonplace, it was an annual tradition in many households to look forward to the night when The Wizard of Oz film would air on television. Although not my favorite movie, it was always breathtaking … Continue reading

Posted in Artists, Authors and literature, Book arts, Children's literature, commercial art, Fantasy, popular culture, rare books, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Richard Tregaskis: Capturing War’s Grit and Humanity Through Journalism

For the American public at home in 1942, the war raging thousands of miles across oceans could seem remote and opaque. Richard Tregaskis’ Guadalcanal Diary brought the stories of the American forces engaged in brutal fighting to the homefront in … Continue reading

Posted in American history, Authors and literature, Guadalcanal Campaign, Journalism, military history, Uncategorized, War correspondents, World War II | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Harriet Hinsdale’s Library: A Room Worth Rating

With the increased popularity of video conferencing platforms like Zoom over the last few years, more and more people began to notice room backgrounds. The idea of “rating the room” often became more important than what was discussed.[i] Many of these … Continue reading

Posted in Authors and literature, Diaries, rare books, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Donald Vining Diaries – A Fifty Year Chronicle of a Gay Man’s Life

June is Pride Month, an opportune time to highlight the unique diaries of Donald Vining. Vining was a diarist from the very beginning. At the age of eight, he began documenting his day-to-day activities. He wrote one line, largely practical … Continue reading

Posted in Authors and literature, Diaries, LGBT, LGBTQIA+, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

True Crime Obsessed: The Literary Figures Who Contributed to the Craze and the Stories That Feed It

With the current plethora of media – documentaries, podcasts, books, and biopics of serial killers – it’s no wonder true crime is so popular. But it isn’t just today’s societies that have this obsession. The love for true crime stories … Continue reading

Posted in Authors and literature, Book history, Crime, Interns' projects, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Prints Profoundly Proper: Unveiling the Works of George Cruikshank

George Cruikshank (1792-1878) was an English caricaturist known for creating political satire pieces and famous illustrations for notable authors like Charles Dickens. While taking printmaking classes, I came across his name multiple times. This piqued my interest to learn more … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Artists, Authors and literature, Book history, Interns' projects, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How the Library of a 19th Century Club for Elites Ended Up at the University of Wyoming

In the Toppan Rare Books Library, there are several sub-collections of books. These sub-collections reflect where the Rare Books Library acquired the books, whether it was by donation, a transfer from a different part of the University of Wyoming, or … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Authors and literature, Book history, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, University of Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Lover’s Day: Eighteenth-Century Women Writers

For Book Lover’s Day (August 9), the AHC’s Toppan Rare Books Library offers you a historical vignette of prominent women authors and poets of the eighteenth century. While women did not particularly write more novels over the course of the … Continue reading

Posted in 18th century, Authors and literature, Book history, Poetry, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment