Library Company of Philadelphia
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Welcome to the Library Company of Philadelphia's Tumblr page! Founded by Ben Franklin in 1731, we are an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. This page highlights materials from LCP's extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art.
We just love the beautiful contemporary printed endpapers on this 1797 book of German hymns. Designs like this were printed by hand using carved wooden blocks, and each layer of color applied one at a time. What’s more, this volume has its own slipcase covered in a different yet complimentary decorated paper. Swoon!
Das Neue und verbesserte Gesang-Buch. Philadephia: gedruckt by Steiner und Kämmerer, und H. Kämmerer, Jun., 1797.
![Ownership can not be dismissed if a book has this beautiful manuscript bookplate.
Bookplate and birth record for Joseph Nesch [Nash]. Fraktur Collection. Pennsylvania. ca. 1830. 7979.F.2](https://64.media.tumblr.com/66d9b0f9f2f5d688308639dd4e3daa7b/tumblr_oyuxbw5XDG1u23qdao1_250.jpg)
Ownership can not be dismissed if a book has this beautiful manuscript bookplate.
Bookplate and birth record for Joseph Nesch [Nash]. Fraktur Collection. Pennsylvania. ca. 1830. 7979.F.2
![Animals are alphabet celebrities and W is for #wetnosewednesday. #bookishdelight
Hoch-deutsches lutherisches A B C und Namen Büchlein. Germantaun [Pa.]. : Gedruckt und zu haben von Michael Billmeyer., 1802.](https://64.media.tumblr.com/3cf6679effc2f378b7cd288f0e11a30e/tumblr_nuvropmOdO1u23qdao1_250.jpg)
Animals are alphabet celebrities and W is for #wetnosewednesday. #bookishdelight