Category Archives: Toppan Rare Books Library

“The Fayr Bryght Shynynge Scalyd Fysshes”: How to Fish with Dame Juliana Berners

Izaak Walton’s 17th century book, The Complete Angler (1653), has gone down in history as one of the most famous treatises on fish and fishing. However, it was not the first of its kind. That honor goes to Dame Juliana … Continue reading

Posted in Feminism, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, Women in History, Women in Publishing, Women Writers, women's history | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

From Turkey to Timbales: Thanksgiving Traditions in the Toppan Rare Book Library

As Thanksgiving approaches, here a look at some culinary treasures at the Toppan Rare Book Library—two cookbooks that show how Americans have celebrated the holiday across different eras. A Child’s Party Paradise Let’s start with the more playful of our … Continue reading

Posted in Collections Highlights, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

Celebrating National Book Lover’s Day with Medieval Treasures

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

Railroad Romance and Reality: Unpacking the Legacy of Railways in America

Documents and photographs found in the American Heritage Center’s collections can be used to explore the ways in which railways have been and are perceived in American society. Examples of these are in an AHC virtual exhibit titled “The Art … Continue reading

Posted in Economic History, exhibits, Railroad History, Toppan Rare Books Library, Transportation history, Uncategorized, Western history | 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

A Madam’s Scrapbook: Remnants of Laramie’s Red-Light District

On the corner of the town stands a crazy, tumble-down rookery, full from cellar to shingles of liquors, gambling devices and everything that can be used to corrupt and rob men. Ruffians and tin-horn gamblers make night and day hideous … Continue reading

Posted in Laramie, Local history, Prostitution, Toppan Rare Books Library, Uncategorized, Western history, women's history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments