Manuscript Collection Number: 211
Accessioned: Purchases, 1987, 2001
Extent: 4.6 linear ft. (ca. 1,200 items)
Content: Correspondence, books, pamphlets, flyers, proofs, ephemera, clippings, photographs,
broadsides, tear sheets, and art work.
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: 1991 and April 1997 by Anita A. Wellner.
Prior to beginning his work for Nation's Business in 1928, Lester Douglas was an assistant art editor for American Magazine, partner in a New York advertising agency, and a freelance typographical consultant.
Some of the books designed by Lester Douglas were the Limited Edition Club's versions of The Travels of Marco Polo and An Almanac for Moderns, Douglas's editions of the four Gospels designed in collaboration with Judd & Detweiler, and his illustrated edition of Ecclesiastes, which was selected as one of "Fifty Books of 1958" by the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
Lester Douglas also contributed to such journals as The American Printer, Composing Room, and Direct Advertising. He was a founder of the History Publishers Foundation and an active participant in The Typophiles, The American Institute of Graphic Arts, and the American Historical Society.
Mr. Douglas died on May 30, 1961 in Washington, D. C., at the age of 67.
The New York Times. Obituary, May 31, 1961. p. 33.
Correspondence is included from Paul A. Bennett, Typographic Promotion Manager for Mergenthaler Linotype Co.; Herman Cohen of Chiswick Bookstore; F. E. Dayton, Sales Manager of The Conde Nast Press; Bill Reydel; and Mrs. Edna Rushmore of the Golden Hind Press. Additional letters are from individuals acknowledging the receipt of copies of books designed by Lester Douglas. Subseries notes elaborate on the content of the correspondence.
Also included in this collection is material toward publishing projects, such as Horizon magazine; information on the "Colorformat" process invented by Douglas; and over thirty books written and/or designed by Douglas. Most of the books were designed by Douglas and became Christmas keepsakes which he and his family sent to friends. A number of the books were written by Ralph Bradford and some include inserts of original art work by Hans Foy or Ralph Patterson.
Letters and notes on marketing strategies for Douglas's "Playtime Picture Series" of children's cut-out books are present, as are substantial files for Notes Along the Typographic Way (which describes the creation of various books by Douglas) and An Exhibition of Making a Book Today: An Illustrated Demonstration of the Ten Parts in Making The Book of Ecclesiastes. The files for Notes Along the Typographic Way and the exhibition include photographs, galley proofs, original manuscripts, exhibition labels, and art work.
Portfolios created by Douglas comprise a significant portion of this collection, particularly in Series IV. These chronicle Douglas's involvement in a variety of organizations including the American Historical Society, the History Publishers Foundation, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and The Limited Editions Club, Inc. Douglas was fond of producing portfolios as journals of his work on particular printing projects or as keepsakes for his friends and colleagues. References to portfolios which Douglas sent to others are found among the correspondence.
Copies of some of the periodicals to which Douglas Lester contributed, such as The American Printer and Composing Room, or which he helped design, for example Teamwork, are available in Series V.
The Douglas family coat of arms, a small number of books given to Douglas, information on games, miscellaneous sketches, and a file of material about Thomas Erwin complete the Lester Douglas Collection.
The emphasis of the collection is certainly the design projects in which Lester Douglas participated, from Christmas keepsakes to business publications. The files from the exhibitions mounted in his honor, and the accompanying catalogs, further document Douglas's career as a distinguished designer of books.
Ms 208 Arthur W. Rushmore papers
Within series one to four the subseries are arranged alphabetically by correspondent, title of book or periodical, or subject of the portfolio. Correspondence within subseries is arranged in chronological order.
I. Personal and professional correspondence, 1923-1960
II. Books designed and/or written by Lester Douglas, 1923-1961
III. The Douglas "Colorformat," 1948
IV. Portfolios created by Douglas related to various organizations, individuals,
or printed material, 1921-1961
V. Periodicals which Douglas designed or to which he contributed, 1915-1947
VI. Miscellaneous material related to or collected by Douglas, 1925-1958
1 Series I. Personal and professional correspondence, 1923-1960
Series I.1. Correspondence between Paul A. Bennett and Lester Douglas,
1935-1959
The letters discuss The Typophiles, a book about ampersands on which
they worked, as well as personal and family matters. Includes typed and
autograph letters from Bennett and carbon copies of Douglas's responses.
F1 1935-1939
Includes a draft of Bennett's "A Plan for Redesigning a Children's Primer of 1836"
and designs for a Typophile book on ampersands. 43 items (45 leaves).
F2 1941-1949
Includes a copy of Bennett's article "Why Not Good-Looking Checks?" 17 items
(19 leaves).
F3 1950-1953
Includes a set of printed tributes to Bennett prepared for the December 3, 1953,
celebration celebrating Bennett's thirty years in the graphic arts. Also includes
galleys for the Print Magazine article, " Paul Bennett: Dean of the Typophiles,"
and a typescript draft of On Lester Douglas. 22 items (38 leaves).
F4 1958-1959
During these years the original letters are from Lester Douglas and the carbon
copies are written by Bennett. Includes a letter to Bennett from The Pastime
Press. 37 items (69 leaves).
Series I.2. Correspondence between Herman Cohen and Douglas, 1958
Includes autograph letters from Douglas to Herman Cohen of Chiswick
Bookstore, New York, as well as copies of Cohen's responses.
F5 1958
Includes two portfolios designed by Douglas which contain excerpts of letters
written to Douglas by Nestor Davis. 8 items (19 leaves).
2 Series I. Correspondence (cont'd)
Series I.3. Correspondence between F. E. Dayton and Douglas, 1932-1946
Consists of original letters from Dayton, the Sales Manager of The Conde
Nast Press, and carbon copies of Douglas's responses. The letters concern
printing projects on which they collaborated and their common interest in
creating a popular history magazine under the auspices of the American
Historical Association (with Douglas as the Art Director for the
magazine).
F6 1932, 1936-1937
Discuss the creation of a magazine called "Americana." 33 items (45 leaves).
F7 1938 Jan-Aug
Includes material related to the American Historical Society, drafts of information
by Max Eastman, and Douglas's concept for a popular historical magazine to be
called "Victory" (also known as "Americana"). 51 items (82 leaves).
F8 1938 Aug-Dec
Includes correspondence with Allan Nevins, Professor of American History, and
Dayton about "Americana" and "Victory," as well as a draft of "A Proposal to the
American Historical Association," which bears autograph revisions by Douglas.
83 items (154 leaves).
F9 1939 Jan-Jun
Most of the correspondence is in regard to the establishment of the Society of
American Historians, including a draft constitution and membership list. Also
includes articles about Allan Nevins. 81 items (127 leaves).
3 F10 1939 Jul-Dec
Includes letters from George T. Eggleston of Conde Nast Press and a draft of the
table of contents for the first issue of History. 75 items (91 leaves).
F11 1940
Includes a letter from Louis Fancher and a draft of the introduction for a magazine
titled Aristos or The Aristocrat. 54 items (69 leaves).
F12 1943-1944 Jul
Includes correspondence related to the History Publishers Foundation (formed in
1941 to publish Horizons) and the Society of American Historians, as well as the
official document of agreement between the two groups and the articles of
incorporation for the Society of American Historians.
3 Series I. Correspondence (cont'd)
Series I.3. Correspondence between Dayton and Douglas (cont'd)
F13 1944 Aug-Dec
Includes material regarding Horizons, the National Geographic Society, and the
bylaws of the History Publishers Foundation. 90 items (128 leaves).
F14 1945-1946
Includes minutes of the meetings of the History Publishers Foundation, a list of
subscribers, and a certificate of incorporation. 12 items (31 leaves).
4 Publications on which Douglas collaborated with Dayton or Conde Nast Press
F15 The Home Electric Year Book, [1935]
Publication sponsored by the International Paper & Power Company. Includes a
proposal for a merchandising project, research material, and Douglas's notes. 7
items (25 leaves).
F16 A Catechism of Christian Doctrine Prepared and Enjoined by Order of the Third
Plenary Council of Baltimore, 1932
Includes designs and layouts by Douglas and a copy of the 1885 edition of the
catechism. 6 items (46 leaves).
F17 "Publication Profiles: Portraits of Magazines Printed at the Conde Nast Press,"
[n.d.]
Proposal for a series of publications which would highlight the publications of the
press, such as Arts and Decoration, Life, Nation's Business, and The New Yorker.
Includes Douglas's design drawings for the covers of the proposed issues. 4 items
(4 leaves).
F18 Horizons, 1941-1944
Publication of the History Publishers Foundation. Includes a five-year financial
forecast and notes. 4 items (32 leaves).
F19 Horizons, 1944
Douglas's design for a prospectus.
F20 Victory, [n.d.]
Douglas suggested this title (which was rejected) and format for the historical
magazine published by the History Publishers Foundation. Includes material
toward a prospectus, and research notes. 10 items (31 leaves).
4 Series I. Correspondence (cont'd)
Series I.3. Correspondence between Dayton and Douglas (cont'd)
F21 Americana: The Magazine of Living American History, [1936]
Design layout for the cover and text for Americana, bearing the note: "Designed
by Lester Douglas 1936." This was another rejected title for the History Publishers
Foundation history magazine. Also includes a copy of Nos Freres D'Amerique
(text by Roger Boutet de Monvel and watercolor drawings by Guy Arnouse)
pasted to the back cover. 2 items (38 pp.)
5 Series I.4. Letters from Bill Reydel to Lester Douglas, 1929
F22 1929
Three letters. 3 items (7 leaves).
Series I.5. Letters from Douglas to Mrs. Edna Rushmore, 1959-1960
Mrs. Rushmore and her husband Arthur W. Rushmore owned and
operated The Golden Hind Press. Douglas wrote to Mrs. Rushmore
regarding items for his A. W. Rushmore portfolio. Includes Douglas's
letters and several printed items.
F23 1959
Letters include various enclosures such as the broadside, "Bound For Heaven,"
and items announcing the Douglas-related exhibition, "Making a Book Today...."
13 items (43 leaves).
F24 1960
Includes printed articles about Lester Douglas. 15 items (15 leaves).
Series I.6. Letters of acknowledgment for Douglas gift books, 1929-1949
Portfolios created by Douglas, containing acknowledgments he received
for The Purple Robe, A Christmas Carol, Three Men of Persia, Reprieve,
The American Flag Old Christmas, In the Image of Man, Origin of the
Star-Spangled Banner, According to Saint Matthew, and The Nativity
According to Saint Luke. Includes letters from Henry Watson Kent, Philip
Duschnes, David Guy, F. E. Dayton, Melbert B. Cary, Elmer Adler, Paul
Bennett, Arthur Rushmore, George Nelson, Wilbur Macy Stone, Edward
Frank Stevens, Philip Hafer, and Laurence Siegfried.
F25 Portfolio of acknowledgments for Old Christmas, 1934
Includes eleven letters, with printed pages from the book decorating the portfolio.
12 items (23 leaves).5
Series I. Correspondence (cont'd)
Series I.6. Correspondence acknowledging books (cont'd)
F26 Portfolio of acknowledgments for In the Image of Man, 1932
24 items (24 leaves).
F27 Portfolio of acknowledgments for Origin of the Star-Spangled Banner, 1948-1949
Includes letters from Paul Bennett and Arthur Rushmore and a review from The
Washington Post. 3 items (3 leaves).
F28 Portfolio of acknowledgments for According to Saint Matthew, 1947-1948
Includes letters from Arthur Rushmore, Philip Duschnes, Paul Bennett, David
James Guy, and a copy of According to Saint Matthew. Also includes a copy of
Book Design for Our Day. 15 items (20 leaves).
F29 Letters of acknowledgment for various books, 1929-1949
Includes letters acknowledging The Purple Robe, A Christmas Carol, The Nativity
According to Saint Luke, Three Men of Persia, Reprieve, and The American Flag.
68 items (72 leaves).
Series I.7. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1924-1938
F30 1924-1938
Includes letters regarding Color in Modern Printing. 15 items (22 leaves).
6 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Lester Douglas, 1923-1960
Following the folder on children's books, the series is arranged in
alphabetical order by book title.
Series II.1. Material concerning Douglas' children's cut-out books, also
called "Playtime Picture Stories," 1923
Titles include "Roly-Poly-Bunky," "Funny Farm," "Little Mary's Doll
Family," "My Spelling Story," and "In Santa's Workshop." Each book
contains colored pictures to be cut out and pasted to pages of the text.
F31 Hogo the Jolly Tramp, 1923
Letters include the text, printing costs, and marketing ideas. 9 items (12 leaves).
6 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.2. According to Saint Matthew, 1947
F32 Three copies of book and one incomplete copy, 1947
One copy includes a Christmas greeting insert from Douglas. All copies are in
portfolios. 4 items
Series II.3. After the Passage of Winter, 1934
Written by Ralph Bradford, this book commemorates the life and passing
of Jennie Theresa Douglas, mother of Lester Douglas.
F33 Two copies of the book and card, 1934
Includes the exhibition label for the book and Easter card from Jennie Douglas.
Series II.4. American Christmas Carols, 1948
F34 Copy of book and Christmas greeting insert, 1948
Series II.5. The Battle of Fifty Books, 1932
Printed version of an address delivered by Lester Douglas at the opening
of the exhibition, "The Fifty Books of the Year," on February 9, 1932 at
the New York Public Library.
F35 Mock-up of the book, 1932
Series II.6. The Begotten Man: My Favorite Pratt, 1934
This book honoring blacksmith James Lord Pratt and his wife on their
50th wedding anniversary was commissioned by The Dauntless Club of
Essex, Connecticut.
F36 Portfolio, 1934-1937
Includes a copy of the book (signed by Douglas, #1 of 50 copies), program for the
celebration, a letter from F. E. Dayton, correspondence with metal craftsman
Kenneth Lynch regarding a fireplace screen, and numerous pencil designs by
Douglas for ironwork to be crafted by Pratt.
Series II.7. A Bit of Christmas, 1941
First edition, written by Ralph Bradford, with drawings by Charles Dunn.
F37 Copy of the book, 1941
With Christmas greeting insert from Douglas.
7 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.8. Borders and White Space, 1914
Reprint of an essay by Lester Douglas, originally printed in The Printing
Art (September 1914).
F38 Portfolio with book, 1914
Series II.9. Brief Interludes, 1933
Written by Ralph Bradford, one of 97 copies, this one inscribed by
Bradford to Douglas.
F39 Copy of book and letters, 1933
Includes letters from Bradford and Ernest M. Strong, as well as a review of the
book.
Series II.10. Ecclesiastes: The Words of the Preacher, the Son of David, King
of Jerusalem, 1938-1959
Includes copies of the 1938 and 1958 editions, as well as material related
to the exhibition based on the production of the 1958 edition.
F40 Ecclesiastes, 1938
Includes hardcover and large paper copies. 2 items.
F41 Ecclesiastes, 1958
Portfolio with original trial drawings, layouts, and proofs, 1931-1958
Drawings later used in 1958 edition. Includes proofs for 1958 and an original
print from the wood engraving created by Hans Foy.
F42 Hardcover edition and page proofs.
8 "An Exhibition of Making a Book Today: An Illustrated Demonstration of the Ten
Parts in Making The Book of Ecclesiastes Designed and Directed by Lester
Douglas and Printed by Letterpress and Lithograph at the Printing House
of Judd & Detweiler in Washington, District of Columbia, 1958. At the
Library of Congress April 9 to July 10, 1959. Arranged by the
Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts."
F43 Material for exhibition announcement, 1959
Notes and layouts for the announcement with notations by Douglas and the editor.
18 items (20 leaves).
F44 Photographs and exhibition labels, 1959
Includes photographs and labels used in the exhibit, plus photographs taken
during the exhibition. 41 items (74 leaves).
8 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.11. Heritage, 1950
Written by Ralph Bradford and inscribed to Douglas.
F45 Copy of book, partial book jacket, flyer, and clipping, 1950
Series II.12. The Historical Illustrations in Weem's Washington, 1931
Written by Randolph G. Adams.
F46 Copy of book in portfolio with two postage stamps, 1931
Series II.13. In the Image of Man, 1932
Written by Ralph Bradford.
F47 Copy of book, 1932
Series II.14. A Legend of the River People, 1937
Written by Ralph Bradford, with drawings by Charles Dunn.
F48 Copy of book, 1937
9 Series II.15. Modernizing Business Print, 1929
Printed version of an address delivered by Douglas to the National
Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries.
F49 Copy of book in portfolio with comments by Douglas, 1929
Series II.16. The Nativity According to Saint Luke, 1930
Drawings by Hans Foy.
F50 Three copies of the book, 1930
Two copies are signed. Two copies are in portfolios, one of which also includes
notes by Douglas, a Christmas greeting insert, a copy of Book Design for Our
Day, and several articles reviewing Douglas's Christmas books.
Series II.17. The Newest and Most Favourite American Patriotic Songs, 1799,
1945
Decorations drawn by Ralph Patterson.
F51 Copy of the book signed by Douglas and Patterson, 1945
9 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.18. Notes Along the Typographic Way, 1949-1960
This keepsake was produced in connection with an exhibition of books
designed by Lester Douglas, held at the Library of Congress from
December 1949 to January 1950.
F52 Typescript with autograph revisions, 1949
Includes one design for "An Almanac for Moderns." 1 item (76 leaves).
F53 Page Proofs, [n.d.]
Miscellaneous pages, incomplete. 158 leaves.
F54 Copy of the book and issue of Type Talk, 1949 and 1960 Mar-Apr
The copy is inscribed to Herman Cohen and includes a Typophiles insert. The
issue of Type Talk contains an article by Douglas titled "Notes Along the
Typographic Way." 2 items
Series II.19. Old Christmas, 1934
Written by Washington Irving, with pen drawings by Albert Dorne.
F55 Copy of the book with Christmas greeting insert from Douglas, 1934
Series II.20. On the Morning of Christ's Nativity, 1944
Written by John Milton, drawings by Hans Foy.
F56 Copy of the book, 1944
Series II.21. One There Was in Palestine..., 1949
Written by Ralph Bradford.
F57 Copy of the book with Christmas greeting insert from Douglas, 1949
Series II.22. Origin of The Star-Spangled Banner, 1947
As recorded by Mrs. Anna H. Dorsey, a great niece of Dr. William Beanes,
a friend of Francis Scott Key.
F58 Two paper copies of the book with insert, 1947
10 Series II.23. The Purple Robe, 1929
Written by Ralph Bradford, with decorations by Einar Rygg.
F59 Two copies of the book, 1929
One paper cover and one hardcover copy, both signed by Douglas. The hardcover
is also signed by Bradford and Rygg.
10 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.24. A Rabble Came to Trenton: A Christmastide Story of 1776, 1939
Written by Paul McCrea, drawings by Charles Dunn.
F60 Copy of the book with Christmas greeting insert, 1939
Initialed by Douglas, with note "only large paper copy."
Series II.25. Reprieve: A Christmas Story of 1863, 1940
Written by Ralph Bradford, drawings by Charles Dunn.
F61 Copy of the hardcover book, 1940
Inscribed by Bradford to Beata Drake.
Series II.26. Songs Between the States, 1946
Pictorial decorations by Charles Dunn and Ralph Patterson.
F62 Two paper copies of the book and typescript manuscript, 1946
One copy is inscribed by Douglas to Herman Cohen in 1958 and includes a
Christmas greeting insert. The second copy includes a Christmas greeting insert
signed by Douglas. Typescript manuscript with autograph corrections and
editorial markings is also present. 3 items.
Series II.27. Three Men of Persia, 1935
Written by Ralph Bradford, with drawings by Charles Dunn.
F63 Two hardcover copies, with blue paper jackets, 1935
One copy includes a caricature of Douglas as drawn by Charles Dunn on the
colophon page and is inscribed to Douglas. The second copy is signed by
Douglas, Dunn, and Bradford and includes the original drawing for the book's
greeting card (inserted in a pocket at the back of the book).
F64 Two hardcover copies, with gray paper jackets, 1935
Both copies are signed by Dunn, Douglas, and Bradford. One copy includes an
original drawing for Part 4 which was not used (inserted in a pocket at the back of
the book).
F65 One hardcover copy, without jacket, 1935
11 Series II.28. The Troubler, 1935
Written by F. Stuart Fitzpatrick.
F66 One hardcover copy with jacket and letters, 1935-1953
Copy is signed by Douglas and inscribed to Douglas by Fitzpatrick. Laid in are
several letters and poems written by Fitzpatrick.
11 Series II. Books designed and/or written by Douglas (cont'd)
Series II.29. Two Miracles of Jesus According to Saint John, 1961
Drawings by Lewis Daniel and engravings by Walter Von Egidy and
Richard Stulz.
F67 Proof copy with corrections, 1961
Series II.30. Two Poems, 1959
Drawings by Lyle Justis and engravings by Walter Von Egidy and Richard
Stulz.
F68 Paper copy of the book with Christmas greeting insert, 1959
Series II.31. The White Way, 1955
Second edition of this book written by Ralph Bradford.
F69 Hardcover copy of the book, 1955
Series III. The Douglas "Colorformat," 1948
This new method of using color and design in printing to obtain color
unity in a publication was created by Douglas and registered in the U. S.
Patent Office, August 2, 1948 (no. 41969).
F70 Patent, correspondence, text for brochures, and brochures, 1948
Includes correspondence announcing "colorformat," a copy of the patent,
brochures bearing Douglas's autograph revisions, and typescript text for a
brochure. 29 items (50 leaves).
Series IV. Portfolios created by Douglas related to various organizations,
individuals, or printed material, 1921-1961.
Some of the portfolios contain work done by Douglas in connection with
certain organizations or projects and other portfolios are related to
individuals with whom he worked.
Series IV.1. American Institute of Graphic Arts, 1923-1930
F71 Portfolio, 1923-1930
Includes material related to AIGA lectures, an exhibition in 1926-1927, the
Illustrated Book Show in 1930, and a meeting and exhibition titled, "The
Harmonious Book Page." Douglas designed the broadside announcing
"The Harmonious Book Page." Also includes copies of AIGA Newsletter.
11 Series IV. Portfolios (cont'd)
Series IV.2. Carl J. H. Anderson and Lyle Justis, 1929-1931
F72 Correspondence, drawings, notes, printed material, 1929-1931
Includes letters from Anderson to Douglas, a copy of "Prospectus Concerning the
Anderson Books," a letter from Justis to Douglas, three original drawings by
Justis, and two issues of Franklin Crier (April 1929 and Spring 1931). The
portfolio bears autograph notes by Douglas. Lester Douglas may have done the
designs for the Anderson Books. 9 items (14 leaves).
Series IV.3. Book Design for Our Day - The Work of Lester Douglas, 1931
Reprint of The American Printer article which featured Lester Douglas, as
written by Arthur Cole.
F73 Three portfolios, 1929-1931
Includes copies of the book, notes by Douglas, a copy of a Douglas letter to
William A. Kittredge.
Series IV.4. Ralph Bradford, 1946
F74 Jacket and title page designs for Bradford's "1996: Unistate," 1946
Also includes a bookplate designed by Douglas for Bradford, an announcement
for Bradford's Heritage, and an article about Bradford as Executive Vice President
of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. 7 items (7 leaves).
12 Series IV.5. Caslon Old Face Roman & Italic, 1930
F75 Portfolio containing a presentation copy of the book, 1930
Inscribed to Douglas by the book's printer, George W. Jones.
Series IV.6. Direct Advertising, 1957-1959
F76 Tear sheets from Direct Advertising, 1957-1959
Includes draft of a letter written from Douglas to the editor. 7 items (23 leaves).
Series IV.7. Claude Garamond, 1923-1927
F77 Portfolio of material concerning Claude Garamond, 1923-1927
Includes printed samples of his typefaces, copies of Garamond Keepsake (1927)
and Monotype (1923). Removed to the oversize section. 10 items (22 leaves).
12 Series IV. Portfolios (cont'd)
Series IV.8. Frederic W. Goudy and The Village Press, 1921-1948
Six portfolios created by Lester Douglas containing keepsakes honoring
Goudy and The Village Press. See the oversize section for a portfolio of
printed portraits of Goudy by Clarence P. Hornung (1926), William
Oberhardt (1932), and by Alexander Stern (1938).
F78 Keepsakes for "The Village Press: A Retrospective Exhibition," 1933
Includes the broadside, "The Type Speaks;" printed keepsakes for "The Village
Press: A Retrospective Exhibition;" Milton MacKaye's "Glorifier of the Alphabet:
Frederic W. Goudy;" and articles about Goudy.
F79 Presentation of the Ulster-Irish Society Award to Goudy, 1937
Includes program and invitation. 3 items (11 leaves).
F80 "Goudy Number" of Monotype, 1927-1948
Includes a copy of the "Goudy Number" of Monotype (1927), a copy of A Specimen
Sheet of Goudy Old Style, and the article, "A Complete Guide to Goudy." 4 items (8 leaves).
F81 "Goudy Number" of Monotype, and a printed reproduction of a photograph of
Frederic Goudy, 1927-1930
Also includes a letter from the Langston Monotype Machine Company to
Douglas. 3 items (6 leaves).
F82 A Broadside Showing Types Designed by Frederic W. Goudy, in Use by the
Marchbanks Press, New York, 1921
Copy of the broadside in a portfolio.
Series IV.9. Walter Howe, 1959-1961
Walter Howe was Art Director of The Lakeside Press.
F83 Correspondence between Howe and Douglas and drawings by Howe, 1959-1961
Drawings are the designs for a bookplate combining Douglas's initials and an
eagle. 10 items (11 leaves).
Series IV.10. The Limited Editions Club, Inc., 1938-1940
Portfolios contain information on the club, a prospectus of projects, and
correspondence.
F84 Prospectus for The Limited Edition Club's The Grapes of Wrath, 1940
Includes a copy of Booklets for Bookmen (no. 1) containing Joseph Henry
Jackson's "Why Steinbeck Wrote The Grapes of Wrath." 2 items (12 leaves).
12 Series IV. Portfolios (cont'd)
Series IV.10. The Limited Editions Club, Inc. (cont'd)
F85 A Prospectus of the Tenth Anniversary Series of the Fine Books Published by The
Limited Editions Club together with Some Notes Upon a Project for an
Illustrated Shakespeare, 1938.
Includes a letter from George Macy to Douglas, and a copy of the prospectus,
which quotes Douglas regarding the club. 3 items (12 leaves).
13 F86 Material related to the Shakespeare project, 1939
Two portfolios containing another copy of Some Notes Upon a Project for an
Illustrated Shakespeare, photographs of the Folger Shakespeare Library, and an
article by Leicester B. Holland on the Folger Library. 12 items (23 leaves).
Series IV.11. Paper samples, [n.d.]
Two portfolios plus loose items about paper and samples of paper.
F87 Portfolio of Sunray opaque vellum papers made by Hopper Paper, [n.d.]
1 item (21 leaves).
F88 "Hopper Portfolios of the Printing Arts: Illustrated Book Pages and Book Covers
by Lester Douglas, Printed by Letter Press and Lithography on Hopper
Papers."
Includes sample pages from Douglas' books, photographs, and autograph
commentary by Douglas. 7 items (18 leaves).
Series IV.12. Enid E. Perkins, 1958
F89 Perkins's original drawing for Lester Douglas' first calligraphic book label, 1958
Includes a 1958 Christmas card designed by Perkins and an original design for the
label by Douglas. 5 items (5 leaves).
Series IV.13. Typefaces, 1930-1936
F90 Portfolio of samples of printed typefaces, 1930-1936
6 items (13 leaves).
Series IV.14. Publications by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, 1930
F91a One book and three printed brochures related to the U. S. Chamber of Commerce,
1930
Includes a copy of A Historic Old Virginia Pilgrimage and a brochure for the 17th
Annual Meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, both of which
were designed by Douglas. 4 items.
15
Series IV. Portfolios (cont'd)
Series IV.15. Art by the Way, Timothy Cole, 1922-1933
F91b Portfolio includes letters from Burton Emmett and Herman T. Radin to Dougals,
a copy of Cole's portrait of Verrocchio, and a brochure for the Japan Paper
Company.
Series IV.16. Untitled portfolio, 1938
F91c Portfolio containing an issue of Adlib 6 and paste-up for
Pratt Institute * 50 Years, 1887-1937.
Series IV.17. Untitled portfolio re The President's Camp on the Rapidan, 1931
F91d Portfolio containing correspondence, minutes of the State Commission
on Conservation and Development regarding this publication, brochures, and
a copy of The President's Camp on the Rapidan.
13 Series V. Periodicals which Lester Douglas designed or to which he
contributed, 1915-1947
Series V.1. The American Printer, 1923
F92 "Franklin Bi-Centennial Number," 1923
Insert number 17 was created by Douglas (removed by Douglas for a scrapbook).
Also includes articles about Benjamin Franklin. 20 items (92 leaves).
F93 "Pilgrim Number," 1920 Dec 20
1 item (155 pp.)
Series V.2. The Composing Room, 1932
Published by the Monotype Typographic Group of New York, Inc.
F94 Four issues of The Composing Room, 1932
Two copies of March 1932 and one copy each of the April, May, and June 1932
issues. Includes a letter from Earl H. Emmons to Douglas. 6 items (56 pp.)
14 Series V.3. The Printing Art, 1915
Issue is contained in a portfolio created by Lester Douglas.
F95 The Printing Art, 1915 Jan
Contains Douglas's article, "Psychology of Type and Letter Faces." 1 item (88
pp.)
Series V.4. Teamwork, 1947
Published by the sales staff of Nation's Business.
F96 Issue featuring an article about Douglas and caricature of him on the cover, 1947
Nov 15
Series VI. Miscellaneous material related to or collected by Douglas, 1925-1958
Series VI.1. Material concerning games, [n.d.]
F97 Essay titled "U. S. Playing Card Plan," [n.d.]
Plus untitled material discussing how to raise public awareness in order to market
games. 2 items (9 leaves).
Series VI.2. Douglas family coat of arms, 1958
F98 Hand drawn and painted coat of arms for Douglas, 1958 Dec 26
Signed by J. C. H. Steele. 1 item (l leaf).
14 Series VI. Miscellaneous material (cont'd)
Series VI.3. Art work, [n.d.]
F99 Drawings, [n.d.]
Includes a facsimile of a "T" Device by John Thompson, an etching, and a design
incorporating Lester Douglas's initials created by Douglas on his stationery. Also
includes five pencil sketches of John Baskerville, W. C., W. Bulmer, Richard
Grafton, and Ulrich Gering, all by the same unidentified artist. 8 items (9 leaves).
Series VI.4. Material related to Thomas Erwin (a.k.a. Tommy O'Brien),
1925-1943
F100 Photograph of Erwin, 1925-1943
The photograph is inscribed to Lester Douglas from Erwin. Also includes an
article about Erwin. . 2 items (3 leaves).
Series VI.5. Books given to Douglas, 1930-1953
F101 Bright Star, 1953
Written by Ralph Bradford and designed by Ralph Patterson.
F102 LD: Books Designed and Directed by Lester Douglas Exhibited at the Library of
Congress, Washington, during the month of December 1949, [1949]
Laid in the copy is caricature of Douglas drawn and colored by Ralph Patterson
for Douglas's birthday in 1948.
F103 Still Thrilled by the Future and Other Comments on the Modern Scene, 1938
Written by Joseph T. Mackey, the book includes two inserted Christmas greetings
from Paul Bennett.
F104 Thirty-seven of the Finest Books of Our Time, 1937
Written by Paul Bennett.
Series VI.6. Catalogs, offprints, articles, broadsides, and clippings, 1931-1938
F105 Articles concerning Rev. John Pierpont, travel in Russia, Lester Douglas or his
publications, an issue of The Guild News, clippings about history, and a
catalogue from bookseller Paul A. Strock advertising a collection of Lester
Douglas publications. Some clippings were removed to the oversize
section.
23 items (50 leaves).
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