Charles Dickens' Victorian Christmas Exhibit
Happy New Year!
Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up the holiday spirit! Stop by the Archives and Special Collections reading room this month (lower level) to see our "Victorian Christmas" exhibit, featuring some holiday highlights from our rare book collection, including first editions of Charles Dickens’ Christmas stories and lavishly illustrated magazines.
Advances in printing and paper-making technology during the 19th century increased the availability of inexpensive books and periodicals. Educational reform and the growth of the middle class during the industrial revolution also led to a broader reading public and a larger market for popular fiction. This month’s exhibit highlights some examples of 19th century bestsellers for the holiday season.