The Hroswitha Club and the Impact of Women Book Collectors

The Hroswitha Club was a group of women book collectors in the Eastern United States from 1944-2004. Despite the fame of individual members, there is no sustained study of the Club's work and legacy. This project makes the network visible through an examination of archival records, library catalogs, and pamphlets, positioning the Club as a case study for a more thorough examination of intersectional identities in the study of rare books in the US.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Hroswitha Club, a group of passionate women book collectors, gathered from 1944 to 2004 in the Eastern United States, forming a close-knit community dedicated to their shared love for rare and valuable books. While individual members, such as Henrietta Bartlett and Mary Hyde Eccles, gained fame for their contributions to the field, the Club's remarkable work and legacy have yet to receive sustained scholarly attention. This project seeks to rectify that by providing a comprehensive exploration of the Club's history, focusing on how its members fostered knowledge exchange, shared expertise, and created a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

In a time when women's access to formal education and academic institutions was limited, the Hroswitha Club emerged as a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. By creating a network of like-minded individuals, the Club provided a space where women could freely express their intellectual interests, exchange ideas, and develop their skills in the field of rare books. Through their interactions and collaborations, members not only enriched their own knowledge but also contributed to the broader understanding and appreciation of rare books.

To shed light on the Club's history and achievements, this project employs a multi-faceted approach. It utilizes archival records, library catalogs, and pamphlets to document the activities and contributions of the Club's members. By examining these sources, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the Club's organizational structure, membership dynamics, and the impact of its activities on the study of rare books in the United States.

Moreover, this project positions the Hroswitha Club as a valuable case study for exploring the ways in which intersectional identities can shape the visibility and recognition of individuals and groups. The Club's members hailed from diverse backgrounds, including literature, art, history, and philanthropy, and their collective experiences and perspectives enriched the Club's discussions and initiatives. By examining the ways in which the Club's members navigated their multiple identities and negotiated the challenges and opportunities they faced, this project offers insights into the complex dynamics of identity formation and the impact it has on the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

In conclusion, the Hroswitha Club's history is a testament to the power of women's collective efforts and the transformative impact of knowledge sharing. By making this history visible through an examination of archival records, library catalogs, and pamphlets, this project aims to inspire a more thorough examination of the ways in which intersectional identities have shaped the study of rare books in the United States. The Club's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive, pursue their passions, and contribute to the broader intellectual community.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 178 x 127 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009257206