Photographs of SEB SEB bookplates SXR bookplate (engraved by SEB), undated

File — Box: 2, Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: This collection of Samuel X Radbill's correspondence concerning bookplates spans 1898 to 1987. The correspondence reveals how Radbill developed his extensive medical bookplate collection. The major correspondent in the collection is Sara Eugenia ("Sally") Blake (1886-1973), Librarian of the Tufts College Medical and Dental Schools, who was herself an avid bookplate collector. In addition to correspondence, the collection includes photographs of Sally Blake and samples of her bookplates, as well as Radbill's extensive notes about his medical bookplate collection.

Series 1.1 consists of Radbill's correspondence with bookplate collectors and book dealers from the United States, Great Britain, France, Austria, and Sweden. The correspondents provide lists of available bookplates and arrange purchases or trades with Radbill.

Series 1.2 contains Radbill's correspondence with bookplate collector Sara Eugenia Blake, who also designed and engraved bookplates. Radbill and Blake corresponded almost weekly over a forty year period; the majority of the letters are from Blake, but some copies of Radbill's replies are present in the collection. Radbill and Blake traded stamps and bookplates, exchanged information about other bookplate collectors, and discussed the bookplate trade in general. Both individuals travelled extensively, and many of their letters provide detailed accounts of their experiences abroad. Blake's letters, which are of a personal nature, also reveal a great deal about her life in Boston. In addition to correspondence, Series 1.2 includes two photographs of Blake; three bookplates (two belonging to Blake and one she engraved for Radbill); an article about Blake appearing in Success Unlimited (1963); and a checklist of the bookplates designed and engraved by Blake.

Radbill's correspondence with Italian book dealer Luigi Filippo Bolaffio is contained in Series 1.3. Much of the correspondence pertains to Vannuccini, an Italian artist commissioned by Radbill to design and engrave bookplates for himself and some of his friends.

Series 2 contains miscellaneous material, including photographs and photocopies of various bookplates; the bookplate of Henry Rouse Viets; Radbill's extensive notes concerning his bookplate collection; tearsheets from the German publication Exlibris Zeitschrift; and miscellaneous items.