#uiowaspecialcollections
#MiniatureMonday
The Making of Man by Algernon Swinburne, Designed and published by Gordon Murray.
The continuation of our little spring series, this embordered cover really caught our eye! Algernon Swinburne was an English poet and novelist, and also contributed to the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.
The artist, Gordon Murray, was an English animator and puppeteer who produced children’s shows for the BBC and independently. He also created "thirty-four different limited-edition miniature books under the Silver Thimble Books imprint.“ UIowa holds a collection of his works. See the cataloghere!
"Bound in light blue cloth with a needlework inset on cover. Issued in a slipcase with printed label. Each page has a hand painted illustration or marbled paper with printed text mounted on top of pages. Gordon Murray V 1986. "Printed on double leaves; text sheets are mounted with hand colored initials.” –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
Anyone taking up a new hobby over the summer? Needlepoint and cross-stitch seems to be gaining popularity recently, with some neat pop culture designs!
#MiniatureMonday
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
The continuation of our little spring series, with another item by the same author, Robert Louis Stevenson. This is one of his most popular works, A Child’s Garden of Verses, which has been published in numerous editions over the years. This version is part of a set, formally called the “Little Leather Library,” which was changed by the publisher Robert Haas, who felt the term “leather” was misleading due to them not being bound in leather.
“Red Luxart embossed floral border trim and title in croft leatherette” –Biblio.com
We have a larger set, from when it was still called the Little Leather Library, which can be seen here.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
For those at UIowa it’s finals week! Hopefully the weather will be nice enough to study outside, or to take some breaks! Good luck, summer break is in sight!
#VoicesfromtheStacks
Image taken from his Facebook.
Sam Choy–a man of Chinese, German, and Hawaiian descent is a Hawaiian chef and the Culinary Ambassador of Big Island. He was born and raised in Laie, Ohau, and is known for his kindness, welcoming smile, and colorful personality. He has a restaurantin Hawaii called “Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai,” and poke restaurants and food trucks in Seattle, Tacoma, and Washington. He’s one of the foundingcontributors of Pacific Rim Cuisine, which is a cookingstyle that combines local ingredients from Hawaii and a fusion of other ethnic culinary influences. He describeshis cooking as “a melting pot of the freshest ingredients from every culture on the Hawaiian islands…true Hawaiian heritage cooking.”
Sam Choy’s Sampler: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Hawai'i’s Cuisine(found in our Szathmary Culinary Collection) captures over 80 of Choy’s recipes that reflect a mixture and melding of East, West, and Polynesian food cultures, along with his own added twists for the dishes. The recipes included are his own creations, and his version of some Island favorites. The recipes range from poke, to seafood appetizers, to Hibachi Tofu Salad where the Tofu is grilled, to traditional Hawaiian cuisine like Kalua Pork and Squid Lu'au.
Try out some Pacific Rim cuisine with Sam Choy! We also have two of his other books, which can be found in our catalog.
Happy AAPI month everyone!
-Matrice Y, Special Collections & Archives Olson Graduate Assistant
#MiniatureMonday
A brief history of borders and type flowers / Robert Freese, Sr.
This one is for all of the type enthusiasts out there!
Freese walks us through a short history of the use of metal decorative borders that can be used with metal type, with many beautiful examples from different time periods!
“(Illustrations) consist of samples of type borders.
Cloth boards, printed paper label pasted on front cover; pink silk endpapers.” –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday
[Miniature dollhouse books with bookcase]. Jane W Conneen and Various Authors, Printers and Binders
Looking to read something a little lighter to take a break from school work? There are a lot of suggestions in this mini bookcase!
It includes 26 mini books, including classics such as Little Red Ridinghood, Poetry by William Blake, and Aesop’s fables, as well as other fun titles such as Hunting the deceitful turkey, Orange cow, Mr. Higginbotham’s catastrophe, andThe notorious jumping frog of Calaveras county. It also includes a winding key for a music box on the back, what’s better than a little music with your reading?
“Bookcase is wood lacquer with four pedestal feet; has gilt decorative trim, and gilt sculpted flowers on front door, front door has plastic inlay that allows books to be shown. Back of bookcase has small metal knob with "Reuge Ste. Croix” engraved on it, and original price sticker. Interior of bookcase has two shelves with gilt decorations, interior of bookcase is lined with orange silk fabric and gold ribbon trim on plastic inlay.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday
Dard Hunter : miscellaneous thoughts and reflections / compiled by Robert E. Massmann
William Joseph “Dard” Hunter (November 29, 1883 – February 20, 1966) was an American authority on printing, paper, and papermaking, especially by hand. He is often credited as one of the influences in the resurgence in fine hand papermaking as a craft and an art form in the United States. That legacy can be felt on our campus with the continued tradition of hand papermaking at the Center for the Book.
Today’s item includes many interesting elements, including two books, and a 3-D model of Hunters paper mill at Lime Rock, both made in part using paper that was made at the mill.
“Two-volume set of shaped books: volume 1 is shaped like the front of Hunter’s mill at Lime Rock with leatherette spine and hand-colored pictorial label. Volume 2 is round to resemble a millstone in two sections, with common spine and printed label, and samples of paper made by hand at the mill.
Both of the volumes sewn by hand. Boards covered with and pages made of handmade Hunter paper. Printed pages in both volumes tipped onto the handmade leaves.
Slipcase for the set is a full 3-dimensional model of Hunter’s mill at Lime Rock. It is also covered with the same handmade paper from the last lot produced at the mill at Lime Rock. Hand-colored and detailed.
Paper label on model has text: "Dard Hunter [D]oll [H]ouse. Model of Dard Hunter’s paper mill at Lime Rock, Connecticut; covered with handmade paper, unfinished from the last lot produced at the mill. It was purchased in 1928, and closed in 1931. In 1955 it was completely destroyed by a flood.” –Catalog
Library copy signed by Robert E. Massmann.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
Image of Quintana taken from her twitter.
#VoicesfromtheStacks
Patricia Quintana– A critically acclaimed Mexican chef, author, teacher, businesswoman, and once a culinary ambassador in the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, Quintana is an inspiration to many. Having started her journey in cooking with her great grandmother and grandmother’s kitchens in Oaxaca and Veracruz, Quintana dedicated her career to teaching and researching Mexican gastronomy, and the 32 distinct cooking styles contained within it. Quintana has stated that her “style of cooking brings sophistication to traditional recipes and giv[es] Mexican food the recognition and honor it deserves.”
The Best of Quintana is the tenth book Quintana wrote, and it consists of 60 of her favorite recipes. Some are traditional cultural dishes from different Mexican states, and others are created from Quintana’s research and brilliant mind. The recipes included are favorites of those she worked with, and her own personal favorites– dishes that she’s served at birthdays, weddings, and baptisms, and ones that simply hold special memories for her. The dishes vary from guacamole to mole poblano to churros. If you’re looking for a new chef to learn from, and some Mexican food recipes to try, give Quintana’s books a look.
We also have other books written by her, which can be found by browsing her name in our catalog!
Happy International Women’s Month everyone!
-Matrice Y, Special Collections & Archives Olson Graduate Assistant
#MiniatureMonday on a #TinyTuesday
Captain Jack ; being the reminiscences of a sea-going bookseller. John Putman Friend.
Long Beach : Seahorse Press 1963
This is unfortunately, not a book about a bookshop on a ship, as I thought when I pulled it from the shelf, but rather a bookseller who often took a break to travel and work on different ships.
He reminisces about both, with many interesting little stories about the book trade and life at sea. Illustrated in a few colors, often with the seahorse motif.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday
Gilding & the making of Gold Leaf by Richard H. Barnes
Here is a tiny look into the world of gold leaf in the mid 1900’s. It focuses in particular on the process of gilding the pages of books, with the whole process carefully explained. Maybe not as flashy as you would expect for a book about gold leaf, but it’s still very interesting and educational!
Bound in blue leather with gilt title on front cover.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
^Not the recommended technique^
#Voicesfromthestacks
What does it mean to de-colonize a meal?
Sean Sherman – an Oglala Lakota chef born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and the founder of The Sioux Chef, focuses his culinary skills on the “revitalization and awareness of Indigenous foods systems in a modern culinary context.” Sherman took it upon himself to study the foundations of the food systems particular to the local Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, gaining knowledge of Indigenous farming techniques, land stewardship, hunting and fishing, salt and sugar making, the usage of wild food and harvesting, food preservation, elemental cooking techniques, Native American migration history, and Native American Culture and history in a more general sense to get a more holistic understanding of Native American cuisine and how to bring that back in the present.
The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchenis an introduction into modern indigenous cuisine of the Minnesota and Dakota territories. The recipes are all focused and centered around ingredients indigenous to America. No European staples like dairy products, sugar, or domestic pork. Instead, there’s duck, venison, blueberries and wildflowers to name a few.
In his introduction, Sherman states “This book is about the joy of indigenous cooking. It reveals the delight in finding ingredients right outside our kitchen doors. … These recipes, inspired by methods handed down through the ages, generation after generation, are integral to our culture, and, as with all good recipes, the dishes will change from cook to cook. These recipes are meant to be guidelines, not formulas. … These recipes along with the stories of goodness and resilience are told with hope and joy.”
-Matrice Y, Special Collections, Olson Graduate Assistant
#MiniatureMondayTinyTuesday
Turckisch papir : a short history of marbling in the Orient and in Germany = Eine kurze Geschichte des Marmorierens im Orient und in Deutschland : with 10 original marbled papers
Nedim Sönmez author, marbler. Maren Mau-Piper binder.; Druckerei Muller and Bass, printer.; Jackle-Sonmez, publisher.
Today’s item has some beautiful examples of marbled paper, showing how many different designs are possible, including examples of waves, flowers, even calligraphy! It also includes a short history of marbling, particularly in the Middle East and Germany.
Binding: Bound in full green morocco with envelope flap, gilt floral decoration on both covers, marbled end papers.
Includes 10 tipped in specimens of marbled paper. The 10 designs are Suminagashi, stone, fantasy, heart, hatip, blossom, calligraphy, art nouveau, and waves.
“Printed at Druckerei Muller + Bass, Tübingen. Hand bound by Maren Mau-Pieper, Tübingen. Marbled specimens by Nedim Sönmez.” –Colophon. Library has deluxe copy no. 31, signed by author. –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday
L. C. P.’s Book about Book Shops
Powell, Lawrence Clark, Bela Blau; William M Cheney (William Murray), printer.; Dawson’s Book Shop.
Our miniseries continues as the new semester kicks off here in Iowa City. Hopefully you have your textbooks in hand, but if not, there is still hope that one of the bookstores may stock them!
Even if you don’t need textbooks, this author argues that they can just be fun places to visit, which I certainly agree with!
#MiniatureMonday
YouCan Judge a Book By Its Cover: a brief survey of materials
Bernard C. Middleton, author; Kerstin Tini Miura, binder.; David Pankow, editor.; Mel Kavin, introduction, publisher.; Ward Ritchie, book designer.; John DePol, engraver.; Patrick Reagh compositor.; Henry Morris, printer.
With the semester starting, we will be sharing a few books about books to get those in school back in the scholarly mood.
Today’s offering disagrees about the popular saying “You can’t judge a book by its cover”, countering that there is a lot that a book’s cover can tell you.
Special Collections & Archives has three copies of this book, and all are beautifully bound by Tini Miura in black morocco; spine and covers decorated with gilt, metal foil tooled, and multicolored leather circles; leather doublures with multicolored onlays and tooling; silk headbands; gilt edges; in a marbled-paper chemise and slipcase.
So go ahead and judge! This cover does tell you something about how much work went into making this item!
“500 copies of this book were produced with 400 numbered copies for sale. Ward Ritchie designed the book, illustrated by John de Pol, set in type by Patrick Reagh, printed by Henry Morris …”–Colophon.
Individual copies are bound to one of 33 designs each by a different designer bookbinder. All Special Collections copies are signed by author, illustrator, binder, and others.–Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#VoicesfromtheStacks
Hungry for some Southern cuisine?
Alexander Smalls– an opera singer, a James-Beard-Award-winning chef, a Tony and Grammy award winner, the co-owner of two renowned restaurants: The Cecil and Minton’s– could be just the chef you can take inspiration from! He’s appeared on numerous TV shows, magazines, and served individuals such as Toni Morrison, Spike Lee, and Quincy Jones. Here at the University of Iowa’s Special Collections & Archives, one of his books graces the shelves.
Grace the Table: Stories and Recipes from My Southern Revivalis a memoir consisting of a combination of storytelling from Small’s childhood and hometown in South Carolina, through Europe, and to Manhattan, detailing Small’s love for food. He interconnects culture, family history, and more while sharing 100s of his recipes created during his travels. This book sheds light on how he fell in love with cooking and his upbringing with Southern Revival cuisine. Some of his recipes include Southern Revival dishes like mac and cheese terrine with Creole sauce, caramel cake, and black-eyed peas with arugula. There are tales from the first meal he cooked at 6 years old, to meeting Joan Sutherland, to touring Europe as one of the star singers of the Houston Grand Opera production of Porgy and Bess.
Small, his recipes and stories, his history and his southern cooking (a mix of traditional and international flair inspired by his travels), are worth the read!
-Matrice Y, Special Collections, Olson Graduate Assistant
#MiniatureMonday
Complete guide to Australian films / by John Hindle ; with cover illustrations by John Spooner.
This little library is advertised for people who love Australia, according to the box that is. However, it seems that the author is not that big of a fan of many popular films from the land down under, including Mad Max. Grant, Mad Max: Fury Road hadn’t come out when this was published.
Contents: v. 1. The birth of an industry – v. 2. Great Australian stars and cinemas – v. 3. The best and worst in Australian films – v. 4. Boom years of Australian film.
“The library for people who love Australia” –Container box.
All volumes have green paper wrappers with illustrated covers, all four volumes are bound by two staples; illustrated container box
Melbourne : Dynamo Press –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday#TinyTuesday
The eclectic abecedarium / by Edward Gorey.Darrell Hyder printer.
Barbara Blumenthal bookbinder.
As the new year is beginning, and soon the new semester as well, here is some-perhaps not advice-but little alphabetical thoughts to consider. Presented from one of Edward Goreys more cheerful mock alphabets.
This first edition is limited to 400 copies. Of these 100 are hand-colored, 80 of which are for sale. Darrell Hyder printed the book and it was bound by Barbara Blumenthal.“–Colophon.
Library has copy no. 39, signed by author.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#MiniatureMonday
Voyage aboard the Jupiter : [the contemporary account of the world’s first airmail flight, Indiana, 1859]. James Lamar Weygand printer
Anyone still waiting for packages? Have you considered trying getting them shipped via hot air balloon? Since the balloon, Jupiter, in this story got loose by accident at least once, perhaps it would not be the most efficient method.
Binding: Bound in fancy marbled paper boards with navy leather spine with gilt details and spine title.
Article from the Lafayette, Indiana Daily Courier, August 18, 1859, with commentary by J.L. Weygand.
Illustrations include a 1959 U.S. postage stamp commemorating the event.
“100 copies printed and bound by James Lamar Weygand”–Colophon.
Title page printed in blue, red, and black.
References: Bradbury, R.C. 20th cent. U.S. miniature books, 3014 –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
^Our Packages!!
#MiniatureMonday
The Scottish Highland postal service / James A. Mackay.
Anyone sending out Holiday cards this year? If you are, think about how wonderful stamps are-one cost for any letter, to anywhere in the country!
This little book gives a glance into the Scottish Highland postal service, and it even includes a stamp (although it would be unlikely to help anyone with shipping). It does however show the first universal rate postal system. Thanks Scotland!
Binding: Bound in red leather boards with title stamped in gilt on front cover; White end papers with brown postage mark design, issued in plastic case with red felt and paper label closure.
Text and illustrations on lining papers. Includes one mounted postage stamp. –Catalog
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
#VoicesfromtheStacks
Slater of Iowa&Fred “Duke” Slater
Calling all the American football fans!
Slater of Iowa by James A. Peterson is a biographical story on Frederick Wayman “Duke” Slater, the first Black All-American player for the University of Iowa, and the first Black lineman in the NFL. Slater is well known for his play with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 1921 where he helped win 10-7 against Notre Dame, breaking Notre Dame’s 20 win game streak!
The book is a short but comprehensive read on the history of Duke Slater. The biography recounts in detail his relationship with football: from childhood to his career on the University of Iowa’s Hawkeye’s football team. It also includes accounts of others he’s played with, some milestones in his early football career (including the time he started wearing a helmet), details of his games at Iowa, his dad’s involvement, and his career at Iowa in general. Slater of Iowa is a quick and exciting read, and as you can see by the images above, Peterson, the author, is good at describing the scene of the games, and giving them life.
The University Archives’ vertical file on Slater details more than just his football career at Iowa! Several clippings talk of his career as a Judge in Chicago, along with Slater Hall, his football accomplishments outside of Iowa, and more. A few snapshots of his file are shown below:
Learning about Slater is definitely worth a visit to Special Collections & Archives!
-Matrice Y, Special Collections, Olson Graduate Assistant
#MiniatureMonday
Punch and Judy : the tragical comedy or comical tragedy.
Adams, Maryline Poole printer, binder.
Punch and Judy is a traditional British puppet or marionette show that stars Mr. Punch, and his wife Judy. These two, alongside a rotating cast of stock characters (such as the Hangman, The Constable, The Baby, The Devil, ect) act out short comedic sketches heavily based on outrageous comedy, or slapstick. Another popular feature is having the audience participate by trying to ‘warn’ the characters of danger or pointing out things that they are 'missing’.
Today’s item is shaped like the traditional puppet booth and includes a typical Punch and Judy plot line with movable paper figures. There is also an illustration of the inside of the booth next to the colophon.
“The script and illustrations … were adapted from C.H. Grandgent and G. Cruikshank, respectively.”–Colophon
Library has copy no. 8, signed by printer. –Catalog
See more items by Maryline Poole Adams in our collection here.
–Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student
