New & Notable

More Pretty Little Pocket Books for Children from the 1700s

The word “pocket book” was a term for a wallet or small purse for money and personal objects in the eighteenth century.  That wasn’t its only meaning, however.  It also referred to books– especially memorandum books (i.e.

Scrolls, Secrets, and Symbols: Unlocking the Mysteries of Alchemy

When is a toad not a toad? To answer that question, we’ll need to delve into the fascinating history of alchemy!

A Magnificent Manuscript of 1458, Signed by its Scribe — and by its Illuminator?

An immense folio manuscript of Giovanni Balbi’s Catholicon, the essential Latin dictionary of the later Middle Ages, is one of the most spectacular illuminated manuscripts in the Scheide Library.

This Week in Princeton History for May 9-15

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Lyndon B. Johnson asks Princeton intellectuals to “cool it,” students mourn the death of a classmate, and more.

“Princeton 275” celebrates Princeton’s 275 years as found within the University Archives

Whittington and His Cat: The Encounter Between Cultures Illustrated

There’s no magic in the rags-to-riches story of  Dick Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London, shown at the left at the height of his fame from a chapbook ca. 1808 published by T.

Thinking of You

Mother's Day is Sunday, and Katie spotted this cute little fold out flower card on Instagram! Admittedly, she was a bit skeptical about how intricate this project would be for kids.

This Week in Princeton History for May 2-8

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Bob Hope jokes with students, a Pennsylvania newspaper questions James McCosh’s decision-making, and more.

The BiblioFiles Presents: Christine Day

Just posted! An interview with Christine Day, author of middle grade novels I Can Make this Promise, and her most recent release, The Sea in Winter.

This Week in Princeton History for April 25-May 1

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students prepare to go to war, a graduate sets off for the West, and more.

“He Decided to Conquer the Place that Had Conquered Him”: Peter Putnam ’42 *50’s Princeton, Part II

In Part I of this two-part series, I told the story of how Peter Putnam ’42 *50 lost his sight in a suicide attempt and fought for the right to return to Princeton University and finish his degree.

Our Annual Writing Contest is ON!

It's here! It's here! It's here! 350 for 50, our annual competition for young writers!

Our Annual Writing Contest is ON!

It's here! It's here! It's here! 350 for 50, our annual competition for young writers!

This Week in Princeton History for April 18-24

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, war bonds are on sale, faculty prohibit students from participating in a 12-hour walking match, and more. April 20, 1942—Students can buy war bonds in Clio Hall today.

“Death from starvation threatens every working man”: A Soviet book about hunger, but not the Ukrainian people.

Were lucky to once again welcome back a special guest blogger: Polina Popova. A PhD candidate in History at the University of Illinois Chicago, Polina specializes in modern Russian and Soviet history and Soviet children’s literature.