Wizardly tomes, mysterious manuscripts, cursed volumes

The first place most people encounter rare books is not the library, but through their depictions in pop culture. Pop Bibliography is a theoretical framework to conceive of the myriad ways in which these “old books” appear across popular media, and what that can tell us about book history as a cultural concept. It is a visual manifestation of abstract ideas about the meaning, use, and reception of historic books, which deeply influences how both scholars and the public engage with these objects. Join Allie Alvis, curator of special collections of the Winterthur Library to learn more about the many places Pop Bibliography pops up, and why it is so pervasive.

Allie Alvis is Curator of Special Collections of the Winterthur Library, where they are responsible for the stewardship and engagement of the collection. They are also the editor of the SHARP News Features Section, which publishes articles focused on the broader concept of the book as an object of study and popular cultural relevance.