Guide to the Shakespearian Advertiser printing block collection, 1870-1871
John Hay Library
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Fax: 401-863-2093
email: hay@brown.edu
Published in
Collection Overview
| Title: | Shakespearian Advertiser printing block collection |
| Date range: | 1870-1871 |
| Creator: | Boyce, Harlen P. |
| Extent: | 1.0 linear foot |
| Abstract: | Wood engraving printing blocks created by Edward S. Jones to illustrate a booklet titled "The Shakespearian Advertiser" published by Harlen P. Boyce in Providence, RI. The images are comic illustrations of quotes from various plays by William Shakespeare. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | John Hay Library |
| Collection number: | Ms.2011.044 |
Scope & content
This collection contains wood engraving printing blocks created by Edward S. Jones to illustrate a booklet titled "The Shakespearian Advertiser" published by Harlen P. Boyce in Providence, RI. The wood printing blocks are comic illustrations of quotes from various plays by William Shakespeare. The illustrations are interspersed throughout the booklet the remainder of which is composed of advertisements from businesse primarily in Rhode Island but also in Massachusetts and New York. The collection contains 2 copies of the booklet published in 1871 and titled "The Shakespearian Advertiser;" a complete set of 52 prints from the wood engraving blocks; 38 of the original wood engraving blocks; and the agreement between Joseph H. Saunders, Harlen P. Boyce and James Boyce for the publication of the illustrations dated 12 Nov 1870. One of the booklets serves as the index to the printing blocks with each print assigned a number. The corresponding original blocks have been assigned the same number as the print.The collection was originally housed in a wooden crate: 21.5" Long x 17" Wide x 8.25" Tall. The crate was not retained.
Access Points
Subject Names Subject Topics Document Types Subject TopicsArrangement
The wood blocks have been assigned numbers which correspond to the order in which the images appear in the booklet and are arranged numerically in the boxes.
In 1870, Joseph H. Saunders of Johnston, RI devised a plan to create an advertising booklet that interspersed comic pictures based upon sayings from plays by William Shakespeare with the advertisements for local businesses. The preface to the booklet states its purpose: "It combines information as to where our wants of all kinds may be supplied in the best manner, and at the fairest prices; with illustrations of a higher class of humor than is usually presented to the public by the so called comic papers." Saunders contracted with Harlen P. Boyce to be the publisher and Edward S. Jones created the illustrations using wood engraving blocks as the medium. James Boyce agreed to pay Saunders the lost profits in the event that Harlen P. Boyce failed at the task of publishing the booklet. The booklet was called The Shakespearian Advertiser and was published in Providence, RI in 1871.Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. |
| Use of the materials: | Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them. |
| Preferred citation: | Shakespearian Advertiser printing blocks collection, Ms.2011.044, Brown University Library. |
| Contact information: | John Hay Library Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Fax: 401-863-2093 email: hay@brown.edu |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Karen Eberhart |
| Encoding: | This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012-02-13T16:49-0500 |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
Inventory
| Box 1 | 18 wood engraving blocks: #1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23 |
| Box 2 | 11 wood engraving blocks: #24, 26, 27, 28, 30,
31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 39 |
| Box 3 | 9 wood engraving blocks: # 41, 43, 44, 46, 48,
49, 50, 51, 52 |
| Box 3 | 52 Prints |
| Box 3 | 1870 Agreement |
| Box 3 | Index to engraving blocks |
| Box 3 | Copy of the booklet The
Shakespearian Advertiser |