Spring 2019 an Occasional Publication of the Providence Athenæum
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spring 2019 An Occasional Publication of the Providence Athenæum spring 2019 table of contents KATE WODEHOUSE A Rare Gift . 2 ATH STAFF A Conversation with Susan Jaffe Tane . 4 MATT BURRIESCI On the Unity of Effect . 9 Miscellany . 11 Lyn and Brian Hayden, who wanted to establish a different type of book fund for LEAVE A LEGACY the library. Their vision was to provide an A Rare Gift annual disbursement of funds specifically for the growth and development of the If you would like to make a transfor- Special Collections and Art Collection, and mative gift to benefit the Athenæum also include much needed support for the and its collections, please contact conservation and preservation of the titles Executive Director Matt Burriesci for housed in the Rare Book Room. Their gift more information (401-421-6970 x11). amounted to $100,000, the single largest gift for the purchase of special collections in the history of the organization. Kate Wodehouse Since the establishment of the Hayden One project we have now been able Director of Collections & Library Services Fund, we have been able to make several to focus on is identifying, cataloging, exciting purchases to support collection and restoring all of the books from the strengths and enhance our regular exhibi- Providence Library Company that remain tion program. The spring 2018 Observing in the collection. To date, we have located a Nature exhibit showcased three hand-col- third of the 1,680 volumes that first greeted The shelves in the Philbrick Rare Book Room literally ored bird prints from the Description de visitors when the doors opened in 1838. overflow with incredible treasures. l’Égypte (1809), replacing plates stolen long About 45 of these, known as the Founder’s ago from the Athenæum's set. In June, we Collection, pre-date 1758 and have been From a 15th-century illuminated breviary backbone of our acquisitions budget each commissioned two illustrations by local restored, but the remaining titles that were to one of the first panoramic photographs year and continue to provide for the readers artists for an exhibition on the building, 251 acquired between 1759-1836 still need to ever taken, from rare and incredibly detailed of the future. Benefit Street, which celebrated our historic be identified, cataloged, and evaluated for natural history tomes to a first edition of Fewer resources, however, have been Greek revival building and the restoration of repair. The first works selected for resto- Leaves of Grass with the copyright infor- directed towards the strategic development the 1873 Richmond Fountain. In October, ration this spring with the Hayden Fund mation inscribed by Walt and conservation of the our magnificent Travel & Exploration is a group of five books on the subject of Whitman himself, we are Special Collections. Many Collection took center stage for Voyages: slavery that were donated to the library by constantly moving, shifting, of the library's most valu- Mapping the World, which included an exqui- Rhode Island abolitionist Moses Brown in and re-shelving to find able items were donated site pocket globe – now the only globe in 1801. Several of these books are signed by space in our small library to, rather than purchased a collection of several thousand volumes on Brown and reflect his anti-slavery convic- to house such amazing by the Athenæum, and travel. Our most recent acquisition made tions. The Hayden Fund will allow for a and delicate artifacts. our staff has never had possible by the Hayden Fund is a beautiful portion of the Providence Library Company But you might be the freedom or funds to 2018 illustrated edition of "The Raven" by volumes to be conserved each year until surprised to learn that, until expand our rare holdings Edgar Allan Poe, purchased for Ravenous: the project is completed many years from recently, we had no funds in intentional and mean- The Enduring Legacy of Poe and appearing on now, and ensures that the collection will be that were specifically dedi- ingful ways. Restricted the cover of this publication. restored and accessible for future readers cated toward the growth resources have provided for Along with making such exciting acqui- and scholars. and care of our rare collec- the vitality of the contem- sitions possible, this incredible gift provides Thanks to such foresight and gener- tions and artistic holdings. porary collection, but the for the care and preservation of our valu- osity, our Special Collections continue to Over its history, the expansion and care of our able collections, demonstrating the donors' grow in the 21st century, and will delight, Athenæum has been the recipient of over rare collections were left largely to inconsis- true understanding of the needs of a library inspire, and educate members and visitors to 50 restricted book funds dedicated towards tent grant support and donor contributions. like ours. Simply possessing the books isn't the Athenæum for generations to come. All the purchase of new titles for the circu- But at the end of 2017, good fortune enough - we must be true stewards of these of us in the library community owe sincere lating collection. These funds constitute the struck. We were approached by members objects and ensure that they survive into thanks to Lyn and Brian for their lasting future centuries. contribution to the Athenæum. — 2 — — 3 — wrappers,” she exclaimed, “and is extremely there was such a thing as a Poe community rare and valuable.” Not knowing what she but there are Poe Museums, Societies, and was talking about, and trying to look knowl- Associations all over the world. A Conversation with Susan Jaffe Tane edgeable, I nodded my head in agreement – but my blank stare gave me away. Sensing You split your time between Connecticut and my uncertainty, she continued again, this New York. How did you become acquainted with time an octave higher trying to justify the the Athenæum? high price – “But this copy is in wrappers!” My collecting obsession and exhibitions I knew nothing – I was such a neophyte, began to generate interest in the book and she knew it as she pointedly asked, “You world of collectors, libraries, dealers, and do know what wrappers are, don’t you?” auction houses which led to election into But not to be diminished, I looked her right the Grolier Club. All bibliophile associa- Susan Jaffe Tane back in the eye and claimed, “Of course I tions such as the Grolier belong to FABS Collector, Bibliophile, Philanthropist do,” and thanked her for gift wrapping the (The Fellowship of American Bibliophilic book for me to take home! Societies) and 10 years ago (even that seems This small book was the beginning a lifetime ago) I signed up for one of their of my collecting career combing through tours going to bibliophile sites in Newport country auctions, rare and its surrounds. I Susan Jaffe Tane is the world's preeminent private collector book shops, book fairs, didn’t know a soul, but of all things Edgar Allan Poe, and we are honored to include antique stops, and even since I love Newport, eBay! That one book, I said, “why not?” I over 30 items from her personal collection in the Ravenous: bought a lifetime ago, have my own car and The Enduring Legacy of Poe exhibition. is now part of the if I’m not having a most important Edgar good time I can easily Susan has been a friend of the Athenæum for beautiful bindings. I entered the booth, and Allan Poe collection make an escape. years and a generous supporter of the library's there, prominently displayed on a glass shelf held in private hands But what I found, exhibitions and collections. In 2017, she loaned was a small copy of The Raven and Other in the world. as 40-odd people Walt Whitman's personal copy of THE WORKS Poems. I was stunned as I picked it up and How has bringing introduced them- OF ROBERT BURNS to the Athenæum for examined it. I had no idea that an individual together this collection selves, was that I really inclusion in the Scotch Bard exhibition, and could own a first edition. I thought that all impacted your life? did have something in is preparing a major exhibit on Whitman with rare books were relegated to safes in libraries common with most the Grolier Club, coming to the Athenæum in and museums. It was fascinating – actually, Believe it or not, it’s of them. They were all October 2019. it was compelling. “The Raven” has been changed my identity. die-hard collectors in We recently spoke to Susan about her passion referred to as “the most important volume People now define their field, whether it for collecting, fascination with Poe, and connection of poetry that had been issued up until that me as a Collector and be bookbinding, Civil to our library. time in America.” But, Poe humbly referred include me in biblio- War memorabilia, to the poems in this collection as trifles, phile books, magazines, medieval literature, *** adding, “I think nothing in this volume of and articles. I endow scholarships to world- or even midwifery of the 17th century. We When did you first become interested in collecting much value to the public, or very credible wide Poe conferences to further education, were all kindred souls. works by and about Edgar Allan Poe? to myself.” As I fondled that cover, I knew I I get involved in exhibitions, books, movies, As a group, one of our first stops was had to own it. and plays – some successful, some not. at the Providence Athenæum. We gath- More than 30 years ago, I wandered down Seeing my interest, the saleslady came Some fun, and some not so much! Along ered around the tables as Kate Wodehouse the aisles of the New York Antique Show over extolling the virtues of this little gem the way I’ve met some very interesting and Christina Bevilacqua showed us the at the Park Ave.