"First Impressions: The Print Trade in Children's Books," a Cotsen Children's Library exhibition

Exhibition poster

"Children, for this small book some thanks are due, The Printer made it purposely for you."
From William Darton, Little Jack of all Trades (1804)

Since the 18th century, the depiction of the trades and the people associated with them has been a popular subject in books, prints, and pamphlets for adults and children alike. Like encyclopedias, these depictions were meant to catalog the people and their employment for the instruction and entertainment of the reading public. From the writer, to the printer and the engraver, and finally to the bookshop, "First Impressions: The Print Trade in Children’s Books" explores the representation of the print trade in children’s books and toys from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The exhibition will be on display from October 4, 2019 through January 3, 2020, in the Cotsen Children's Library (entrance located in the lobby of Firestone Library). It is open to the public and can be visited during library open hours.

For more information about the Cotsen Children's collection, please contact Andrea Immel, Curator, Cotsen Children's Library.

Media contact: Barbara Valenza, Director of Library Communications