Main content

John the Scribe drafts of "Days of Judgment for Needy Times", circa 1850s (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Little is known about John the Scribe who "mediated" this collection of handwritten drafts for "Days of Judgement for Needy Times." The work describes the author's dismay at a soi-disant "enlightened" society's lack of adherence to fixed principles; its vaunted progress he views as mere haste, travel without aim and activity without achievement. The collection includes three drafts of the work.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Some Aspects of the use, origin and symbolism of owls in alchemical publications, 1950? (inclusive)

Extent:

1 item (74 leaves)

Abstract:

Annotated typescript of a term paper, with illustrations written by Joseph L. Rabinowitz approximately 1950.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Thompson Westcott scrapbooks of Charles Durang's history of Philadelphia theater between the years 1749 and 1855, 1868 (inclusive)

Extent:

2 linear feet (6 volumes)

Abstract:

A native of Philadelphia, Thompson Westcott (1820-1888) was one of the city's leading journalists and historians of his generation. Westcott's scrapbooks consist of the complete series of the 267 chapters of Charles Durang's history of theater in Philadelphia between the years 1749 and 1855, published as weekly installments in the Sunday Dispatch from 1854 to 1863. Including page numbers, indexes, and lists of illustrations, the six volumes (available to be viewed online) are interleaved with images of theaters and portraits of famous actors and artists, as well as with personal correspondence, playbills, and additional clippings on theatrical subject.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Clyde Fitch typescripts and letters, circa 1890-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:

1 linear_foot (2 boxes)

Abstract:

William Clyde Fitch (better known as Clyde Fitch, 1865-1909) is considered one of the most successful American playwrights of his time, and the first to be produced abroad on a regular basis. This collection consists of typescripts of ten unpublished plays and four autograph letters written by Fitch.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Stuart Teacher collection of significant items in the history of Running Press, 1972-2017, undated (inclusive)

Extent:

7 linear feet (10 containers)

Abstract:

This 46-item collection (1972-2017, undated) consists of documents and artifacts identified by Stuart Teacher as significant to the history of Running Press. Founded by brothers Stuart and Lawrence Teacher in Philadelphia in 1972, Running Press grew to be one of the most successful independent publishers in the nation by the mid-1980s. This collection represents, in the words of Stuart Teacher, "two parallel themes" in the company's history: a creativity-centric publishing philosophy and a strong, collaborative employee culture.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Aspero family collection of World War II ephemera, circa 1941-1945 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear_foot (1 box)

Abstract:

The Aspero family collection of World War II ephemera documents the living conditions and the deprivations endured by the Asperos and other American families during the world conflict. The collection includes rationing books and stamps, informational materials, and greeting cards from two members of the family, who served in the military during the war.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Alfred Gemmel draft of biography of William Darrah Kelley, circa 1950s (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Abstract:

Alfred Gemmell (1916-1957) was a historian who focused on the history of Pennsylvania, an instructor in History at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical Association. This collection contains a typed draft of Gemmell's unpublished biography of William Darrah Kelley (1814-1890), a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania during the Civil War who was active in the country's economic recovery during Reconstruction.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Emerson Bennett's Dollar Monthly, 1860 (inclusive)

Extent:

1 volume

Abstract:

Emerson Bennett's Dollar Monthly was a monthly magazine of literature and fashion published in Philadelphia in 1860. The magazine was edited by the prolific author of westerns and romance novels Emerson Bennett with John T. Hamelin. After the initial year of publication Bennett withdrew from his editorial duties, and Hamelin remained as the editor of the newly named American Dollar Monthly. This collection consists of volume 1 of Emerson Bennett's Dollar Monthly bound in a single volume, dating from January to December of 1860. The magazine contains short stories, poems, articles, illustrated plates, cartoons, needle and fancy-work patterns, and regular columns. This volume contains a long serialized piece by Bennett, The Mountain Lily; or, Adventures in the Wilderness: A Companion to "Prairie Flower", which appears in every issue. Other stories and poems by Bennett and Hamelin appear, as well as by writers Wesley Bradshaw, S. Annie Frost, Lavinia S. Goodwin, Marie T. Hamelin, Belle...(see more)

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

"Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography", 1866 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.1 linear feet (1 volume)

Abstract:

This unpublished manuscript, titled "Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography," is signed by Reverend James Munson Olmstead. It is unclear, however, if this is actually an autobiography of Olmstead or a fictional work of his creation. The identity of "Mortimer" remains unclear throughout the text. This work is dated 1866 and was a part of Reverend John Wright's library.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

Main content

Elizabeth Landor recipe book, circa 1780-1799 (inclusive)

Extent:

1 volume (+ 15 leaves)

Abstract:

Volume of eighteenth century recipes and numerations probably written an collected by Elizabeth Landor of Warwick, England.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]