The Archives & Rare Books Library announces a new monthly lunch-time series that will focus on one item from the collections to talk about its history and importance.  Relaxed and informal, these presentations are set for one Thursday each month through the academic year, and will be held in the Schott Seminar Room, 814 Blegen Library at 12:00 noon.

The first talk is on Thursday, January 27, and will feature ARB’s anthropodermic binding (that is, human skin!).  Find out how these bindings became curiosities of the book world, particularly in the 18^th century; why most major research libraries have at least one example of the morbid things and how UC obtained its copy; and, the process involved in determining its authenticity.

Viewed as an enjoyable and casual opportunity to look at interesting books and collections, the “50 Minutes – One Book” approach reflects the traditional teaching hour – in at noon, out at 12:50 – and is open to students, faculty, and staff.  Bring your lunch, order in some pizza, and get an inside view of some of UC’s fascinating holdings.

While the February topic has not yet been determined, March’s talk will feature CCM Librarian Mark Palkovic, an international expert on miniature books, taking a look at the world’s smallest book, a copy of which is in ARB (now where did we put it?  It was just here a minute ago).  We hope that faculty, grads, undergrads, and staff will want to offer talks as well about their research with specific volumes in the rare books collection.

–          Kevin Grace