Category Archives: Book arts

Veiled in Gold: The Mysterious History of Disappearing Fore-Edge Decoration

Posted on January 20, 2025 by ahcadmin

The anatomy of a book includes the fore-edge, or the vertical outer edge of a closed volume. The American Heritage Center’s Toppan Rare Books Library holds fourteen specimens of disappearing fore-edge paintings. Eight of these were collected by Charles Chacey … Continue reading →

Posted in Art History, Book arts, Historical Crafts, Library Collections, rare books, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on January 22, 2024 by ahcadmin

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

Happy 140th Birthday, Dard Hunter! A Tribute to the Roycrofter Who Excelled in Hand Papermaking, Printing, and Paper History

Posted on November 27, 2023 by ahcadmin

November 29 marks the 140th birthday of Dard Hunter (1883-1966), born William Joseph Hunter. Sometimes referred to as the father of hand papermaking, Hunter is known for his extensive worldwide travel documenting the hand papermaking tradition in Asia, his publications … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Crafts Movement, Book arts, Dard Hunter, Design, Roycrofters, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrating National Book Lover’s Day with Medieval Treasures

Posted on August 7, 2023 by ahcadmin

August 9th is National Book Lover’s Day. To celebrate, the Toppan Rare Books Library is presenting a couple of our (personal) favorite books from the collection: a 15th century Belgian prayer book and an illuminated religious song book, also from … Continue reading →

Posted in 15th century, Artists, Book arts, Book history, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, women's history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment