Uncategorized
-
Some years ago, I stumbled across this article from 1862. It describes a picture that hung in the window of the American Sunday School Union’s building in Chicago. “A novel and somewhat amusing picture is hung in the window of the American Sunday School Union’s Depository. It is entitled ‘Teaching the Contrabands.’ The cut represents…
-
As you may have already surmised, I have been almost completely consumed by my attempts to trace the reuse of illustrations around the world between 1860 and 1880. This post will explore a unique set of papers all modeled after a London newspaper titled The British Workman. But first – let me quickly introduce you…
-
I realize that Christian children’s periodicals from the 19th century is not the most riveting topic of all time. But I have accidentally fallen down a deep and fascinating rabbit hole. Frequent readers will know that I’ve been very interested in materials published by the American Tract Society in Boston for quite a while. A…
-
I recently stumbled across some old sheet music for “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and quickly realized that it is not the familiar tune. When Julia Ward Howe wrote the lyrics for this song, she intended for people to sing it to the tune of “John Brown’s Body.” (2) That is the version used today.…
-
My episode of the AskHistorians podcast is live! I discuss American history textbooks, Black history, and Reconstruction.
-
Roughly three years ago, a question began to consume me: What materials were written for Black American children during the Civil War and Reconstruction? It initially began as an extension of my family history research, but it quickly took on a life of its own. I found it fascinating to explore what my ancestors were…
-
I have some exciting news: every issue of The Freedman’s Journal is now available online courtesy of Harvard University Library! The Freedman’s Journal was created by abolitionists to help educate formerly enslaved adults and their families.
-
This past year, I’ve had the incredible fortune to view several rare publications, including a few that might be the only copies in existence. This is my 2023 rare book wishlist. The Sunbeam, an illustrated children’s periodical edited by Rufus L. Perry and published in Brooklyn, NY. I don’t know the dates of publication, but…
-
Welcome to Lost History Books: a blog about old books. I’m currently researching children’s literature published during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Check back regularly if you want to learn more!
Lost History Books 