Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2007 Issue
Recent Acquisitions at The Veatchs Arts of the Book
The General Store by Thomas Nason.
Item 28 is a calligraphic work from a group of long ago schoolchildren. It is a friendship album from children at the Nine Partners Boarding School of Clinton (Dutchess County), New York, in the 1820s. The book consists of handwritten poems and quotations, along with four-color drawings. This copy is signed by, and probably was the copy of, one Hannah Coffin. Hannah may have been related to Lucretia Coffin Mott, pioneer in women's rights and abolition, who was once both a student and later teacher at this school. The old Nine Partners School still exists today, though it is now known as the Oakwood School in Poughkeepsie. $450.
Item 6 is a very early publication from the Anvil Press of Lexington, Kentucky. It is Chaucer's The Book of the Duchesne, printed in 1954. This was John De Pol's personal copy. De Pol, who just passed away a few years ago, was one of the finest American wood engravers of the 20th century. $450.
Item 86 is one of several Thomas Nason wood engravings offered. This one is The General Store, depicting a scene already ancient when this engraving was printed in 1959. Part of a limited edition of one hundred commissioned by Old Sturbridge Village, the scene's age is given away by the horse and sleigh parked out front. This is clearly winter in New England a long time ago. $300.
The Veatchs Arts of the Book may be found online at www.veatchs.com, or reached by telephone at 413-584-1867.
