Boston College collection of the Alcuin Society
Scope and Contents
Collection consists of announcements, bookplates, cards, a journal, newsletters, pamphlets, and poetry printed by the Alcuin Society. Printed materials highlight topics that include book design and production, the history of the book, typography, printing, binding, and illustration. Also included are four issues of the Society's triannual periodical, Amphora, first published in 1967.
Dates
- Creation: 1967 - 1979
Creator
- Alcuin Society (1965-) (Organization)
Access Note
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.
Historical note: Alcuin Society
The Alcuin Society was established in 1965, in Vancouver, British Columbia, by Geoffrey Spencer. Other founding members included Basil Stuart-Stubbs, Bill Duthie, Sam Black, Bill McConnell, Dale Smith, and Sam Fogel. The Society was named after Anglo-Latin scholar, teacher, and adviser to Charlemagne, Alcuin of York (approximately 735-804), with the goal to promote a wider appreciation of fine printing and book design.
Since 1981, the Society has awarded the Alcuin Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada. It is Canada's only national book design competition. The Society’s journal, Amphora, is published three times per year and covers topics including book design and production, the history of the book, libraries and bookstores, publishing, and more.
Sources:
"About us", Alcuin Society, 2025, https://www.alcuinsociety.com/our-story.
Gerson, Carole, and Jacques Michon, eds. History of the Book and Printing in Canada, Volume III. Montreal: University of Montreal Press, 2007. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.pum.17089.
Full Extent
1.75 Linear Feet (2 containers)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Collection of printed materials from the Alcuin Society, a Canadian-based association for book design and production enthusiasts. Contains four issues of the Society's periodical, printed ephemera, and newsletters and communications.
Arrangement
Arranged in four series: I. Amphora; II. Communications; III. Keepsakes; and IV. Publications. Each series is arranged alphabetically.
Provenance
Because the current accessioning system was not used until January 1986, it is not possible to know exactly the dates of acquisition of materials received before that time.
- Title
- Boston College Collection of the Alcuin Society
- Subtitle
- 1967-1979
- Author
- Molly Aleshire
- Date
- 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861
burns@bc.libanswers.com