A Haggadah for Seder

We recently purchased a rather extraordinary Haggadah printed in Pisa in 1806. It is interesting to think of the original audience for this particular book: a group of Tuscan diaspora Jews in the early 19th century. What was the Seder like where this Haggadah was first present?

What makes this edition so exciting are the eighty woodcut illustrations that take the reader through all phases of Passover.

It starts with the preparation of the household with woodcuts showing a woman readying her home for Passover followed by the Seder itself.

Then, the Haggadah presents the annual retelling of the liberation of the Jews from Egypt. It is a beautifully illustrated epic.

To see the book, ask for Rare BM675.P4A3 1806.

Along the Connecticut

Setting out on the journey

We have so many things that are really cool, but that we know almost nothing about. Take this one for example, Along the Connecticut 1912.  It is a photo album of scenes from the Upper Valley and around Dartmouth campus. The only information we have is the title on the spine with the year and a stamp indicating that it was bound by Alex. Moore, Binder, 11 Hamilton Pl. Boston. Who assembled this?  Who hand tinted most of the photographs?  Who paid to have such a luxurious binding, complete with glassine interleaving for each image? There is no gift plate, and no indication that it was done at Dartmouth.  The only thing we know is that the person who did it loved the area and had money to make it look great.

Our own Webster Hall

The somber, romantic end

As the ice breaks up on the river, come in and enjoy some beautiful summer views "Along the Connecticut" by asking for DC History F12.C7 A46.