Colophon collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: CSC-0013

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of correspondence, printed signatures, ephemera, and two original ink drawings concerning three specific signatures printed for the Colophon the Washington, D.C., firm Judd & Detweiler under Lester Douglas's supervision: "Historical Illustrations in Weems's Washington," by Randolph G. Adams (1931); "An Omnibus of Poets," by Aubrey H. Starke (1934); and "Savonarola of Hollins Street," by John T. Winterich (1935). It contains seventeen letters (1931-1939) from Elmer Adler to Lester Douglas; two letters (1931) between Randolph G. Adams and Adler; and two letters (1934) from Aubrey Starke to Douglas. Also included is a printed prospectus (1929) for the Colophon; the printer's copy of "On Breaking into Type," by H.L. Mencken (1930); and two original ink drawings (a calligraphic title design and a portrait of Rev. John Pierpont) by Charles A.R. Dunn, which were used in the Starke and Winterich essays respectively. The material is arranged and bound into seven blue folders created by Lester Douglas; each carries his bookplate.

Also in the collection is a selection of Colophon printed ephemera (invitation and seating list for the Colophon subscribers' dinner, mailing envelopes, announcements, press releases, and newspaper clippings, 1930-1950); seventeen announcements (1931-1935) for exhibitions of Colophon and Pynson Printers material held at the Pynson Printers New York office; and three letters (1949-1950) between F. B. Adams and Paul Bennett.

Dates

Creation: 1929 - 1950

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Randolph G. Adams (1892-1951), American bibliographer, historian, and essayist

Elmer Adler (1884-1962), American bibliophile, publisher, and printer; proprietor of the Pynson Printers, New York, and publisher of The Colophon

Lester Douglas (1893-1961), American book designer, typographer, and director of art and printing for the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Washington, D.C

Charles A. R. Dunn, (1894-1978), American painter, illustrator, and cartoonist

Extent

.21 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Collection of correspondence, printed signatures, ephemera, and original drawings realted to The Colophon. The Colphon: a Book Collector's Quarterly, was published in New York between 1930 and 1950.