Ephemera: We are often asked to define (and pronounce!) “ephemera.” Some describe it broadly as any printed material other than books, but since this would incorporate substantial areas worthy of separate consideration such as pamphlets (which we combine with books on this web site), maps and newspapers, we proffer a narrower definition. One writer defines ephemera as “Light and frothy stuff, sometimes, as distinguished from more solid and impressive work,” and with this we concur.

Our ephemera includes trade cards, advertising leaflets, timetables, broadsides, handbills, political memorabilia, playbills, programs, tickets and so on. In short, ephemera is printed material generally issued for a very specific or temporary purpose, often published free of charge and meant as a throwaway — which it usually was, which explains the increasing desirability and popularity of ephemera collecting today.

Maps: A selection of mostly 19th century American maps, with a sampling of earlier maps.

Newspapers: Primarily 18th and 19th century American and British newspapers, especially strong on the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination.