Library Company of Philadelphia
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast followed by some Black Friday shopping! Might we suggest adding some books to your shopping list?
Gift books were incredibly popular in the second quarter of the 19th century. The first American gift book, The Atlantic Souvenir, was published in 1826. By 1846 there were at least sixty different titles on the market, and by 1860 the fad was nearly over.
Image: Interior view of George G. Evans’ original gift book establishment. 439 Chesnut [sic] Str. Philadelphia: Taken from nature and drawn on stone by E. Sachse. Baltimore: Coloring print of E. Sachse & Co. Sun Iron Building, [1859]. Chromolithograph 30 x 47 cm.
![Looks like the calm before the Black Friday storm at the Wanamaker Store’s main floor. Happy shopping! (but please mind the breakables)
Brightbill, George M., collector. Wanamaker postcards. [graphic]. 1900-1960. Photomechanical print (postcard):...](https://64.media.tumblr.com/648736db8f0561644740d0c4f9ce81eb/tumblr_piigp7xTHr1u23qdao1_250.jpg)
Looks like the calm before the Black Friday storm at the Wanamaker Store’s main floor. Happy shopping! (but please mind the breakables)