In this issue, we are bringing you the thoughts of one of our personal heroes: Paul Needham, the emeritus Scheide Librarian at Princeton. We’d argue that Paul’s amazing work is a testament to the power and value of looking closely at and describing books - cataloging in the broadest possible sense. We are very grateful to him for answering a few questions for us (and you).
What marvelous timing! I have been reading Megan Rosenbloom's book Dark Archives and she interviews Needham to discuss anthropodermic books (a term he does not love, apparently.) What a great interview!
What marvelous timing! I have been reading Megan Rosenbloom's book Dark Archives and she interviews Needham to discuss anthropodermic books (a term he does not love, apparently.) What a great interview!
Thank you very much, Jennifer! I don't think it's just the term Paul does not care for, but the maintenance of those books as well. His recent note to NYRB indicates his stance, if you're interested: https://web.archive.org/web/20230705092030/https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2020/12/03/a-proper-burial/
This is fascinating- thanks!