Now @ MPL...

When one thinks of a rare book collection, a picture of rows of old books comes to mind. And books are certainly a large part of the Krug Rare Books Collection at the Central Library. But the collection contains a few surprises and one of them is the Ethiopian magic scroll.

The scroll measures about 194 x 10 cm. and is thought to date from about 1890. It is written in the Ge'ez language.

"Magic (or healing) scrolls usually are long, narrow vertical strips of parchment covered with handwritten texts - protective prayers, spell-casting formulas - decorated with drawn and painted images. Such scrolls were created, and still are, by traditional healers and diviners to generate live spiritual power in the material world. They were carried by the owner at all times." (Taken from "Ethiopian Magic Scrolls: Talismanic Art of Ethiopia," New York Times, May 19, 2011)

Viewing the Ethopian magic scroll may be arranged by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 and making an appointment with a member of the Rare Books team.

To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.

Submitted by Patricia DeFrain, Rare Books Librarian

Most people are familiar with Wisconsin born Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect who became known for his leadership in the Prairie School movement of architecture. But did you know that in his later years he designed a line of commercial home furnishings?

In 1955, Frank Lloyd Wright developed the "Taliesin Ensemble," a line of furnishings for those that did not live in one of his homes. Partnerships were formed with 5 companies
1) Heritage Henredon - furniture
2) Karastan - rugs
3) The Martin-Senour Company - paints
4) Minic - Vases and
5) F. Schumacher & Co. - fabrics and wallpapers.

The Krug Rare Books Room is fortunate to own some of the sample books and fabrics that were part of The Taliesen Line. The Taliesin Line of Decorative Fabrics and Wallpapers is a one volume book containing fabric and wallpaper samples. There are an additional 22 folded pieces of fabric samples that accompany the book. The library also has Frank Lloyd Wright Selects the Taliesin Palette in Martin-Senour Paints sample book.

You may arrange to view the Taliesin Line materials by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 and making an appointment with a member of the Rare Books team.

To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.

Submitted by Patricia DeFrain, Rare Books Librarian

The Ring is an American boxing magazine that was first published in 1922 as a boxing and wrestling magazine. As the sporting legitimacy of professional wrestling came into question, The Ring shifted to becoming exclusively a boxing oriented publication and it is still being published today.

The Ring was first edited by hall-of-famer Nat Fleischer. It has perpetrated boxing scandals, helped make unknown fighters famous worldwide, and covered boxing's biggest events of all time. It is often referred to as "The Bible of Boxing."

The older issues are rare and because they were printed on paper that has deteriorated somewhat, the issues from February 1922 (the first issue) through January of 1953 are stored in the Krug Rare Books Room. If you would like to view them, call the Art, Music and Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 to arrange a visit.

To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.

Submitted by Patricia DeFrain, Rare Books Librarian

Refresh your book shelves with some gently used titles from the Bay View Library's used book sale this Saturday, July 14th. This book sale is sponsored by the Friends of Milwaukee Public Library. All proceeds will benefit the library.

Library: Bay View Library
Date: Saturday, July 14th, 2012
Time: 9 A.M to 4 P.M.

David Maraniss, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and critically acclaimed biographer of Bill Clinton, will talk about his ground-breaking biography Barack Obama: The Story, a sweeping, multigenerational portrait of the 44th President of the United States. By evoking the times, places, and forces that shaped Obama's personality and life choices, Maraniss rovides the fullest portrayal to date of the man and the politician.

David Maraniss's previous works include First in His Class: A Biography of Bill Clinton, praised by Gary Wills as "the best biography ever written about a president in office." Maraniss's study of the Vietnam War, They Marched into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967, was called a "must-read nonfiction book" by Maureen Corrigan on National Public Radio.Maraniss has also written acclaimed biographies of Vince Lombardi and Roberto Clemente.

In 1969 Maecenas Press published a limited edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It is especially notable for the illustrations, which were done by Salvador Dali, the famed Spanish surrealist.

Who stole the tarts?

The portfolio contains 12 heliogravures - one for each chapter of the book - and comes with 1 original signed etching in 4 colors as the frontispiece. The surrealist master was an inspired choice for Lewis Carroll's heavily symbolic tale of childhood adventure.

Advice from a caterpillar

If you are interested in viewing this rarity, call the Art, Music and Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 to arrange a visit.

Patricia DeFrain, Rare Books Librarian

Alan Magayne-Roshak and Gordy Simons photographed many downtown Milwaukee buildings before they vanished from our skyline. The buildings they documented include the majestic Chicago & North Western Railway Station, the stately Angus Smith House, and even commercial structures, like the 734 W. Wisconsin Ave. building.

Yance Marti from Historic Milwaukee, Inc. will present photos by Magayne-Roshak and Simons from his book Missing Milwaukee: The Lost Buildings of Milwaukee, and photos from the Milwaukee Public Library's Historic Photo Collection. Registration is required. Please call 414.286.3011 to register. Parking meters are free (limit 2 hours) on weekends.

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012
Start Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Centennial Hall Loos Room, 733 N. Eighth St.

This Saturday in Mozarts's Grove you can enjoy the rhythm and blues stylings of The Dave Miller Duo. The Dave Miller Duo is:
Dave Miller - a multiple genre harmonica player, vocalist, and guitarist. Miller was introduced to the harmonica at the age of 11 by his mentor, his late father. Other influences include: Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, Billy Branch, Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Junior Wells.
Steve Goetsch - who has over 25 years experience in Milwaukee rock and blues bands. Goetsch plays a vintage 1968 Gibson ES 335 with strong blues influence and has patterned his personal sound after the styles of Albert King, Freddie King and B. B. King.

Location: Mozart's Grove in Central Library near the Media Room
Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012
Time: 2 P.M. to 3 P.M.

In Mozart's Grove this Saturday, August 4th, we welcome Keith Scott for a concert. Singer, guitarist and songwriter Keith Scott has been a part of the Chicago blues scene since 1981. in addition to working with Johnny Littlejohn, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Taylor and Hip Linkchain, Scott traveled the world as part of a distinguished lineup of the Jimmy Dawkins Blues Band in the 1980s and '90s. After honing his guitar style and familiarity with the stage behind Dawkins, Scott embarked on a solo career, presenting his trademark heavy blues in the highly amplified Dawkins' style, as well as forms reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix' Band of Gypsys and Johnny Winter. While still gigging with his rocking band, Scott has quieted things down on his most recent studio effort, the 10-song World Blues.

Location: Mozart's Grove near the Media Room in Central Library
Date: Saturday, August 4th, 2012
Time: 1 P.M. to 2 P.M.

Be your own fashion designer! It's time to show your creative side at Atkinson Library this Thursday at Sew Cool. All you need to bring is an item of clothing and your fun fashion sense. The library will have decorations and will help with basic instructions. Hope to see you there!