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. 16th century. Specimens.
Initials. 17th century. Specimens.
Printers’ ornaments. 16th century. Specimens.
Printers’ ornaments. 17th century. Specimens.

Genres
Albums.
Scrapbooks.
Initials (layout features). 16th century.
Initials (layout features). 17th century.
Printers’ ornaments. 16th century.
Printers’ ornaments. 17th century.

Occupation (as reflected in collection)
Book collectors. New York (State). New York. 20th century.

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