Board of Trustees Chair to Exhibit Rare Book Collection

The Weinberg Memorial Library is very pleased to announce that The University of Scranton Board of Trustees Chair and University Alumnus Edward Leahy Jr., Esq. will he bringing a selection of his rare book collection to the University for exhibition next year. The exhibit will be presented in two parts.

 

Part I, an exhibit of tine bindings including the exquisite Cosway bindings, will be on display in the Weinberg Library's Heritage Room during February through April 2000. The Cosway bindings are leather bookbindings produced in the usual manner, except that they have miniature paintings inset into their covers. They are named after Richard Cosway (c 1742-1821), the English miniaturist. Cosway actually had nothing to do with the execution of these bindings, as they were not introduced until early in the 20th century. They were the invention of the firm of Henry Sotheran, booksellers, or their manager, J. Harrison Stonehouse. The hooks were bound by Robert Riviere, in good quality Levant morocco, with morocco joints, watered-silk linings and the miniatures painted on ivory, glazed and inset in the covers.

 

Part II, an extensive selection of Mr. Leahy's diverse collection of rare hooks, will be on display in the University of Scranton Art Gallery and in the Weinberg Library's Heritage Room during November 2000 through January 2001.