Joshua Heller prospectuses and ephemera collection
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of prospectuses (a printed document that advertises or describes bookselling endeavors) and various forms of ephemera, including postcards, posters, flyers, and programs related to various presses and bookbinders, as well as rare book and press event materials. It also contains correspondence to and from Joshua Heller. There is a series related to correspondence sent to Joshua and Phyllis Heller from artist Susan Allix. The collection dates from 1911-2015.
Dates
- Creation: 1911-2015
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Restrictions on Use
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Biographical / Historical
Joshua and Phyllis Heller operated Joshua Heller Rare Books out of their home in Washington DC. The business closed from 2015.
Extent
5.5 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Collection consists of prospectuses and multiple forms of ephemera, including postcards, posters, flyers, and programs related to various book presses and bookbinders, as well as rare book and press event materials. It also contains correspondence to and from Joshua Heller. Thre is a series of correspondence sent to Joshua and Phyllis Heller from artist Susan Allix. The collection dates from 1911-2015.
These prospectuses and ephemera are associated mainly with fine (also known as small and/or private) presses, although academic and commercial presses are represented. The presses in this collection are located mainly in the United States and United Kingdom, along with other nations such as Australia.
Fine, small, or private presses are generally owned by an individual or small group and tend to publish items of distinctive content or form. These presses may focus on publishing unconventional writings, artists’ books, illustrated literary texts, little magazines, and other unique items. Fine presses often generate limited runs of works that appeal to the tastes of the printer and a select audience, rather than producing items of broad commercial interest.
Also characteristic of fine presses is meticulous attention to craftsmanship with regard to materials and process. Exceptional design as well as the use of premium or handmade paper, high quality inks, and traditional printing methods (such as letterpress) is often emphasized. These presses may also employ modern printing techniques (such as laser printing), while maintaining an eye for excellent design and inventive form and content.
In addition to their practical purposes, many prospectuses and other items in this collection are themselves works of fine printing and design. These objects may utilize traditional printing methods, as well as high quality paper, ink, typography, and illustration.
Collection Organization
Organized into 4 series: Prospectuses, Material related to presses and bookbinders, Event material, and Correspondence from Susan Allix
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Joshua Heller, 25 March 2015 (2015.020)
Source
- Heller, Joshua (Donor, Person)
Genre / Form
Occupation
Topical
- Title
- Preliminary Guide to the Joshua Heller prospectuses and ephemera collection, 1911-2015
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
- Date
- 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America
speccoll@gwu.edu