Rare Books, American History Bound & Wrapped
Since colonial days in American history, books and pamphlets have been printed throughout the land
The earliest printing in each colony or territory has been carefully noted by scholars.
Printing in the American Colonies began slowly, but by the end of the 18th century was widespread. Early American books and pamphlets – some now considered rare and significant and others not – were of a practical kind, e.g., religious tracts on good living, compendiums of law, and almanacs.
Over time, more creative and literary works came to be written. These included works on politics, social causes like anti-slavery or women’s rights, medicine, and education. With more time and reflection came American biographies and histories.
The books and pamphlets Americans wrote came to reflect their diverse concerns and backgrounds. Printed newspapers, argumentative tracts, and books by pivotal figures in American history came to be rightly viewed as important sources of historical understanding.
In the field of rare Americana, the printing, publishing, and bookbinding practices of the 18th century and 19th century can offer important areas of study and significant collecting opportunities for these rare books and pamphlets.
Marks of ownership and other inscriptions in rare books illustrate a cross-over interest between rare books and historical manuscripts. Discovering who owned and annotated a book – its provenance – may reveal the development of that person’s thinking or influences. Early American bookplates and other associations situate a particular copy of a book at a specific time and place.
In the field of rare Americana, the printing, publishing, and bookbinding practices of the 18th century and 19th century can offer important areas of study and significant collecting opportunities for these rare books and pamphlets.
Why was a particular binding style in vogue during the 1840s? How was it decided what books were published and for whom? What books might adorn the bookshelves of a Southern gentleman? A plain northern yeoman? A cleric? A politician?
Rare books, antiquarian books, and rare historical pamphlets can fascinate us as objects. Benjamin Franklin’s Cato Major is a fine example of 18th century colonial American printing, much admired. We can also appreciate rare books from the 1820s in plain publisher’s trade bindings as much as a rare book in a fine morocco binding with gilt decorations.
Meeting up with fellow book collectors is an excellent way to learn about rare books, 18th century and 19th century American history, and how to connect with the wider world of rare book collections and libraries.
Groups for collectors of antiquarian and rare books exist throughout the United States. The Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies can connect you with a club near you.