Edwin Babcock Holden: Scrapbook of Initial Letters, ca. 1900

RLIN ID No.

NYGG02-A4

Main Entry

Holden, Edwin B. (Edwin Babcock), 1861-1906, collector.

Title

Scrapbook of initial letters, [ca.1900?].

Physical Description

1 volume (ca. 3500 items) ; 30 cm.

Biographical/Historical Note

Edwin Babcock Holden was a member of the Grolier Club (a New York bibliophile society), served on its council, and was president at the time of his death. He was an important book collector whose main interests centered around Americana, English literature, sixteenth and seventeenth century printed books, and French illustrated books. After his death, his collections were sold at auction at sales conducted between 1908 and 1920.

Scope and Contents Note

Scrapbook (172 p.) on which ca. 3,500 ornamented initial letters clipped from sixteenth and seventeenth century printed books have been pasted down. The alphabet is followed by twelve pages of printers’ ornaments and borders. Collection also includes ca. 35 printers’ marks clipped from the title pages of sixteenth and seventeenth century books.

General Note

Title transcribed from spine.

General Note

Covers detached; leaves extremely brittle.

Subjects

Initials. 16^th century. Specimens.

Initials. 17^th century. Specimens.

Printers’ ornaments. 16^th century. Specimens.

Printers’ ornaments. 17^th century. Specimens.

Genres

Albums.

Scrapbooks.

Initials (layout features). 16^th century.

Initials (layout features). 17^th century.

Printers’ ornaments. 16^th century.

Printers’ ornaments. 17^th century.

Occupation (as reflected in collection)

Book collectors. New York (State). New York. 20^th century.

Location

Grolier Club, 47 East 60^th Street, New York, N.Y. 10022-1098.