We never tire of finding small books in our collection, and this palm-sized beauty is no exception #MiniatureMonday

Sacred gift of devout and useful sayings. Boston: G.W. Cottrell., [between 1856 and 1870?]

#FBF of a Manayunk man on his noble motor steed, “The Flying Merkel,” fully equipped with a passenger seat for that special person in your life. Also, take a gander at those spats. 

Berry, Frank, b. 1863, photographer. [Man on a motorcycle, The Flying Merkel, in Manayunk] ca. 1909. 1 negative: glass; 4 x 5 in.

Augustus C. Pugin, Modern Furniture (London, 1823).

An architectural draughtsman, Augustus C. Pugin’s (1762-1832) skill as an illustrator is evident. He collaborated with publisher Rudolph Ackermann on several books, and many of these colorful plates came from the Repository magazine. Pugin included a number of elegant French beds draped in silk with lace and fringe.

Stylish Books : Designing Philadelphia Furniture on display through April 26, 2019.

“Sweepe withe ye olde yeere all that’s bad awaie, / And a newe lyfe begynne on Newe Yeere’s Day.” 

We’re back from our holiday break and feeling inspired by the quote on this circa 1875 trade card. Here’s to 2019 and all it may bring!

Wm. H. Hoskins. Philadelphia, [ca. 1875]. 1 chromolithograph.

James Peale painted Still Life with Peaches around 1824 to 1831. A note on the stretcher indicates that the painting was a New Year’s present to Phoebe Rush, the wife of Dr. James Rush. Dr. Rush was the Peale family physician, as well as a friend, and the painting might have been payment for medical services in addition to being a gift. This painting was added to our collection in 1869.

We can understand how such a lush depiction of peaches, grapes, and other fruit would be a welcome sight on a cold January day in Philadelphia, so in the spirit of Peale’s gift to Phoebe, we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year from the Library Company! 

Peale, James, 1749-1831. Still Life with Peaches. Ca. 1824-1831. Oil on canvas

2018 was a big year for Library Company social media, we experimented a little more and even curated an exhibition the brought much of our work and ideas inspired by our followers to a physical space. 

Our top nine of 2018 favors bindings, no surprise there as they are some of our favorites too. Our number one post of 2018, the little archer illustration in a children’s primer, was also number one in 2016. It was featured as a fan favorite in the exhibition Gilty Pleasures and gained 635 more likes when we reposted.

We are truly grateful for our followers and cannot wait to see what the new year inspires. 

This kitty knows how to winter, and the fireplace is where it’s at.

Lewis, G. Albert 1829-1915. The old houses and stores with memorabilia relating to them and my father and grandfather. Philadelphia : 1900.

Our copy of The Token and Atlantic Souvenir (New York, circa 1856) features decorative paper onlays and intricate gold blocking on its covers and spine. Known as gift books or literary annuals, The Token and many other titles in the 19th century were marketed as Christmas and New Year’s gifts. #PublishersBindingThursday

The token and Atlantic souvenir: a Christmas and New Year’s gift. New York : Leavitt & Allen [1856]

What is a holiday without a little recreation? Now strap on those skates and get to the ice. Don’t just stand there!

Brightbill, George M., collector. Skating in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa. Boston: The Metropolitan News Co., ca. 1910.

The holiday season is all about coming together and spending time with loved ones, just as this family did for Christmas in 1936. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at the Library Company! 

[Portrait of an African American family] [graphic] / Mosby. 1936. 1 photographic print: platinum; 8 x 10 in.