Rare Books& American History

Since colonial days in American history, books and pamphlets were 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 it 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.

The traditional idea many people have when they thing of antiquarian or rare books; 19th century leather books with marbled sides and all-edges gilt. Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

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, American biographies and histories seeking to establish our Nation’s identity came to be published.

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 — all came to be rightly viewed as important sources of historical understanding.

Like today, American trade catalogs in the 19th century were printed by American merchants to advertise, and sell, their goods. Here, Philadelphia publisher and bookseller George G. Evans advertises his extensive catalog of published book titles. Such trade catalogs are now rare. This trade catalog has a graphic on the rear wrapper showing Evans’ store. Books, now antiquarian or rare, fill the shelves. Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

A rare book, an early 19th century “Philadelphia” almanac, but likely published in France for an American audience. Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

In the field of rare Americana, the printing, publishing, and bookbinding practices, of the 18th century and 19th century, offer important areas of study. There are still 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? As books transitioned, from rustic calf bindings to ornately-stamped and decorated cloth bindings, what was the influence of textile manufacturers upon American publishers?

Like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth was one of the most famous African-American women of 19th century America. Truth was an advocate for slaves and women seeking the rights men enjoyed. Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

Portrait of Sojourner Truth, sympathetically portrayed later on in her long-lived life. From the “Narrative of Sojourner Truth…” Battle Creek, Michigan edition, 1878. Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

Marks of ownership, and meaningful 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. In a similar vein, early American bookplates, and other associations such as a binder’s ticket, can situate a particular copy of a book at a specific time and place.

In short: discoveries yet remain; some may be small, a tiny jigsaw piece in the puzzle; but others can quickly shift (or strongly tilt!) assumed paradigms.

Popular subjects for 19th century American publishers were the heroic accounts of America’s ever-growing empire and military victories. This folding lithographic plate serves as the frontispiece for rare book from 1848 on the Mexican-American War.Image credit: Ian Brabner, Rare Americana

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 budding rare book collectors — and experienced collectors — is an excellent way to learn more about rare books, early American history, and how you can connect with the wider world of rare book collections and libraries.

Groups for collectors of antiquarian and rare books, of all stripes and collecting interests, exist throughout the United States. The Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies can connect you with a club near you.

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Originally published at RareAmericana.com

© 2015 Ian Brabner, Rare Americana. All Rights Reserved.