In Pursuit of a Vision. Two Centuries of Collecting at the American Antiquarian Society. David R. Whitesell, curator.

Worcester, The American Antiquarian Society, 2012.. FIRST and ONLY EDITION. Small folio (26.7 x 19 cm.), original illustrated wrappers. As new. 222 pp., 1 blank l., profusely illustrated in color. *** FIRST and ONLY EDITION. This excellent work provides accounts of the ways in which the AAS has acquired important books, manuscripts, pamphlets, graphic art, and other materials over the years. The publication supplements the fall exhibition at the Grolier Club to celebrate the American Antiquarian Society’s bicentennial year, 2012. In Pursuit of a Vision does not attempt to represent the breadth and depth of the collection, which would be far too vast for a single exhibition, but rather showcases those generous librarians, book dealers, members, and philanthropic collectors who have helped to transform Isaiah Thomas’s conception into a national treasure. This highly illustrated catalogue also features the individual stories that have come with some of their gifts, lending a certain richness to the exhibition. In addition, the AAS has published eighteen essays alongside these stories on topics ranging from the Society’s collection development to bibliographic initiatives and collection stewardship. The American Antiquarian Society was founded in 1812 by the printer and Revolutionary War patriot Isaiah Thomas in Worchester, Massachusetts. The core of the collection is born out of Thomas’s personal library, and has since grown to become one of the most comprehensive collections of books, newspapers, broadsides, and other materials of early America. The American Antiquarian Society was honored with the 2013 National Humanities Medal and remains one of the nation’s foremost independent institutions for the study of American history.***