Before the hectic Book Fair season begins, we thought we’d give a quick run-down of a few of our most interesting acquisitions in the recent past! Click on the pictures or follow the links to be directed to the item in question. Enjoy!
Ambrotype of Mr. & Mrs. James M. Lilley of Virginia, circa 1860s: This VG set of Ambrotypes are of a prominent Virginian and his wife. Mr. Lilley, a surveyor by trade, served in the Civil War as a colonel of the 93rd Regiment of the Infantry of the Line (yes, that is a mouthful!). In 1857 Lilley was granted a patent for an “Improved Instrument for Surveying and Calculating Areas.” This “Compass” was intended to facilitate calculation of oblique-angled trigonometry and finding the area of triangles.” It seems Lilley was simply a mouthful all the time! $275. See it here>
Songs Against Evil, Childrens Songster circa 1879: I don’t know about you, but I happen to love Children’s Songsters! Especially when they have amusing front covers. This 12-page songster published in New York by McLoughlin Brothers contains 5 chromolithographic images. Check out our homepage ‘Childrens’ section to see similar recently catalogued songsters! Our listings are automatically shown by the latest items to enter our inventory. Check out this one here>
James Lilley’s Arithmetic Book, circa 1812: Yes, this manuscript codex on arithmetic is written by Mr. James Lilley (mentioned above) as a child! This notebook begins with Lilley as a 10-year old boy in early 19th century Virginia, and covers all manner of mathematical topics, from Subtraction and Compound Division to Extracting the Roots of all Powers! The journal follows Lilley over a span of 7 years, and after the lessons contains ledgers of a neighboring schoolhouse and farm, as well as documentation on family births and deaths in that time. Also included are his geometry and land survey problems for the year of 1823 to 1824. A fascinating, unique primary source documenting this individual’s mathematical schooling (including current thought and practice) as well as local county history and family geneology. See it here>
Bohemian Club Broadside, Olde Goats Night: This Bohemian Club broadside, printed recto only, was printed circa 1940. “Inspired by the season to a renewal of youth, a select company of ‘Old Goats’ will gambol, cavort and bleat for your amusement on Bohemia’s own green.” This broadside was illustrated, quite humorously, by Francis Todhunter, a California artist often noted for his landscape paintings and architecture sketchings. Check out this scarce WWII-era Bohemian Club item here>
