The Pequot Library is an association and special collections library in Southport, Connecticut. It was founded in 1887, and opened in 1894. The library is known for its robust special collections, including William Shakespeare's First Folio, John James Audubon's Birds of America, and William Morris' work with the Kelmscott Press, as well as the first cookbook ever printed, De honesta voluptae et valetudine. The Library also has a vast circulating collection of over 116,000 books, archives, and other texts.
Image: PL large vertical color logo
Image: Pequot Library 1894 historic building
A period photograph of Pequot Library founder Virginia Marquand Monroe, Frederick Marquand, as well as husband Elbert and child.
Covered Ewer by Frederick Marquand, 1827. It was presented to noted New York City surgeon Valentine Mott and is now on permanent display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Kelmscott Press, founded by William Morris and Emery Walker, published 53 books in 66 volumes between 1891 and 1898. Each book was designed and ornamented by Morris and printed by hand in limited editions of around 300. Many books were illustrated by Edward Burne-Jones. Kelmscott Press books sought to replicate the style of 15th-century printing and were part of the Gothic revival movement. Kelmscott Press started the contemporary fine press movement, which focuses on the craft and design of bookmaking, often using hand presses. While their most famous books are richly decorated, most Kelmscott Press books did not have elaborate decoration, but were published simply.
Kelmscott Press
William Morris, News from Nowhere: Or, an Epoch of Rest (London: Kelmscott Press, 1892); Pequot Library Special Collections
Spread from The Altar Book (1896) by Daniel Berkeley Updike
