Curwen Press Collection University of Alberta, Bruce Peel Special Collections Library Subjects Curwen Press; Printing; Curwen Studio; Private presses; Printing--History; Printing--Specimens; Illustration of books; Book design History The collection is from the Curwen Press library. The University of Alberta purchased the collection in 1984. Description The collection forms a major component of the library's Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Book Arts Collection. It includes Curwen Press work from 1919 to 1956. The work includes monographs, periodicals, advertising, posters, and commercial and private press material. The collection also contains many proof copies as well as variants and special issues. Ephemeral material is comprehensive (dinner menus, invitations, and tickets for the London Underground set in Gill type). Although the collection does not represent everything published during the Curwen Press period, there are no significant gaps. The collection includes many items unrecorded in Will Ransom's checklist (see below) or in the Press's own Catalogues raisonnés. Language English predominates. Holdings 1,000 monographs; 800 serials; 2,450 ephemera. Bibliographic Access The collection is not catalogued. Access is by card file and Denise Leroy's unpublished checklist of items The Curwen Press : a checklist of material held in the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library, University of Alberta (Edmonton: 1985). Physical Access The collection is open to the public with identification. For further information visit: http://www.library.ualberta.ca/specialcollections/index.cfm. Interlibrary Loan: No. Reprography: As the condition of the material warrants. Reference Assistance: Yes. Publications Describing Collection A Spirit of Joy. Notes from an exhibition of books, periodicals and ephemera printed at the Curwen Press during its heyday. 1916-1956. (Peel Library,1990). Ransom, Will. -- "The Curwen Press". -- Selective checklists of press books : a compilation of all important and significant private presses, or press books which are collected by Will Ransom. -- New York : P.C. Duschnes, 1945-1950.