"Cool at Rauner": The Virtual Becomes Real

On September 11, 2009, we posted our first entry on the "Cool at Rauner" blog. “A Beat Classic at 50” delved into the complicated printing history of the two "first" editions of William Burrough's Naked Lunch. Since then, we have posted 93 entries (this makes 94) highlighting new acquisitions, fresh discoveries and old favorites.

Usually, online exhibits follow physical exhibitions, but in this case we thought we would reverse the trend and create a physical exhibit based on some of our favorite blog entries. Visit Rauner Library's Class of 1965 Galleries to take a look. The exhibit will run from September 1 through October 31--we like to think it was "curated" by the Rauner blog.

And remember, you can see anything on this blog in the Rauner Library reading room, just come in and ask.

...On this one work alone.

When the third edition of Jane Eyre by "Currer Bell" appeared in 1848, its author, Charlotte Bronte, added a note stating, "my claim to the title of novelist rests on this one work alone." Why she felt compelled to state the obvious has to do with her publisher's confusion over the identity of Currer, Acton, and Ellis Bell, that would be Charlotte, Anne, and Emily Bronte.

For a brief period in the late 1840s, T. C. Newby believed he was dealing with one writer acting under three pen names. In fact, he was so sure, he used Jane Eyre to market Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Directly opposite the title page is an excerpt from a positive review of Jane Eyre under the heading "On Mr. Bell's First Novel," rather strongly suggesting that Currer and Acton were one in the same.

Come sort out the confusion yourself with the first edition of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Rare PR4162.T4), and the third edition of Jane Eyre (Val 826 B78S114).  And while you are looking, it would be a shame to miss the first edition of Jane Eyre (Val 826 B78S112).