Curiosity Cabinets: Timeless Beauty
Selections from the Ellen Walters Avery Collection
Background, Scope, Context
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 1st, 1861, Ellen Walters Avery was the youngest daughter of Samuel P. and Mary Ogden Avery, and sister to the architect Henry Odgen Avery. Described as modest, retiring, and intellectually gifted, Ellen Walters Avery was a bibliophile with a curious and passionate love of nature and the humanities, especially literature, poetry, music, the classics, and Church history. Her carefully curated collection, comprising 609 titles – many of them multi-volume, exquisitely illustrated and bound – was gifted by her devoted mother to the Library of Teachers College, Columbia University, four years after her untimely death from acute pneumonia on March 25, 1893.
A Catalogue of the Ellen Walters Avery Collection of Books is a delightful glimpse into her taste for literary, historic, and artistic treasures – a window onto a beloved young woman’s aesthetic sensibilities and rich intellect. Many of these works combine disciplines – children’s books with education; natural science with religion, botany with linguistics; etiquette with ancient cultures – while individualism, imagination, and nature are central, suggestive of a Romantic spirit. Miss Avery was also drawn to the science of collecting, private libraries, bookplates, and women’s creative contributions.
Curiously, the Avery Collection formed when the curriculum of Teachers College, Columbia University began evolving in a social humanitarian direction based on the philanthropic intent of Grace Hoadley Dodge, pioneer of the Kitchen Garden Association for the teaching of the industrial domestic arts. Early courses at the New York School for the Training of Teachers (later Teachers College) included cooking, sewing, table and laundry services. Moved by the teachings of the eminent philosopher John Dewey, Teachers College would build a broad framework for “education as the fundamental method for social progress and reform” – and one that embraced the integration of psychology and applied health.
The Ellen Walters Avery Collection invites us to take a few steps back in educational history graced by a unique nineteenth-century feminine touch and the timeless beauty of books, curations, and curiosities.
Acknowledgments
Timeless Beauty is curated and designed by the staff of the Gottesman Libraries, including: Jennifer Govan, Library Director and Senior Librarian; Conrad Lochner, Special and Digital Collections Librarian; Victoria Santamorena, Processing Archivist; and Soeun Bae, Library Associate for Art and Design. It complements the upcoming Offit Gallery exhibit, Ethereal Creations, mid-October through mid November.
Inventory of Books Displayed
1.
Zur Westen, Walter von. Ex libris (bucheignerzeichen). 3. vermehrte Auflage., Velhagen & Klasing, 1925. Closed Stacks Research ; Z994.G3 Z96g.
2.
Avery, Samuel Putnam. The Avery, Fairchild & Park Families of Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island : With a Short Narration of Facts Concerning Mr. Richard Warren, Mayflower Passenger, and His Family Connections with Thomas Little. [publisher not identified], 1919. Closed Stacks Research ; CS71 .A95 1919.
3.
Hemans, Felicia. The Poetical Works of Mrs. Felicia Hemans : Complete in One Volume. Grigg & Elliot, 1836. Closed Stacks Research ; PR4780 .A1 1836.
4-5.
Bury, Richard de, and Andrew Fleming West. The Philobiblon of Richard de Bury. Printed for the Grolier Club, 1889. 2 vols. Closed Stacks Research ; Z992 .A912 1889.
6.
Hosmer, William, and Abel Bowen. Young Lady’s Book; or, Principles of Female Education. Derby, Miller and co., 1852. Closed Stacks Research ; Z236.A89 D43 1851.
7.
Wharton, Anne Hollingsworth, and Emily Drayton Taylor. Heirlooms in Miniature. J.B. Lippincott Co., 1898. Closed Stacks Research ; N7616 .W5.
8.
Stone, Wilbur Macey. Women Designers of Book-Plates. Published for the Triptych by R. R. Beam, 1902. Closed Stacks Research ; Z993 .S89 1902.
9.
Blake, William, and Edwin John Ellis. Facsimile of the Original Outlines before Colouring of The Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Executed by William Blake. : With an Introd. by Edwin J. Ellis. B. Quaritch, 1893. Closed Stacks Research ; ND497 B6 E38 1893.
10.
Symington, Andrew James. The Beautiful in Nature, Art, and Life. Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts, 1857. Closed Stacks Research ; N62 .S9.
11.
Husk, William Henry. An Account of the Musical Celebrations on St. Cecilia’s Day : In the Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. To Which Is Appended a Collection of Odes on St. Cecilia’s Day. [publisher not identified], 1857. Closed Stacks Research ; ML63 .H97 1857.
12.
Pène du Bois, Henri. Four Private Libraries of New York. Duprat & co., 1892. Closed Stacks Research ; Z987 .P39 1892.
13.
Sumner, Heywood. The Besom Maker & Other Covntry Folk Songs. Longmans, Green & co., 1888. Closed Stacks Research ; M1740 .S86 1888.
14.
Deutsche Geistliche Lieder: The Hymns of Martin Luther Set to Their Original Melodies; with an English version edited by Leonard Woolsey Bacon; assisted by Nathan H. Allen. Hodder and Stoughton, c1884. Closed Stacks Research ; M2138 .L88 1884.
15.
Labouchere, Norna. Ladies’ Book-Plates : An Illustrated Handbook for Collectors and Book-Lovers. George Bell & Sons, 1895. Closed Stacks Research ; Z993 .L12.
16.
Grandville, J. J., et al. Les fleurs Animées. G. de Gonet, 1847. Closed Stacks Research ; NC815 G73 1847.
17.
Ellet, E. F. Women Artists in All Ages and Countries. Second edition, R. Bentley, 1860. Closed Stacks Research ; N43 .E4 1859.
18.
Dürer, Albrecht, et al. The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. Arden Book Co. Closed Stack Research Oversize ; NE1205.D9 K9 194-.
19-20.
Clayton, Ellen C. English Female Artists. Publisher not known, 1876. 2 vols. Closed Stacks Research ; N6796 .C6 1876.
21.
Dame Wiggins of Lee, and Her Seven Wonderful Cats : A Humorous Tale Written Principally by a Lady of Ninety. George Allen, 1885. Closed Stacks Juvenile ; PZ6 1885 D344 1885.
22.
Calabrella, E. C. de. The Prism of Imagination. Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1844. Closed Stacks Research ; PR 4409. C133 P75 1844.
23.
Andersen, H. C., et al. Out of the Heart : Spoken to the Little Ones. George Routledge and Sons, 1868. Closed Stacks Juvenile ; PT8105 .O94 1868.
24.
Vedder, Elihu. The Digressions of V. Constable, 1911. Closed Stack Research ; ND 237 V3 A3 1910.
25.
Soper, R. F. The Lily : A Coloured Annual for 1832. C. Wells, 1832. Closed Stacks Research ; AY11 .L63 1832.
26.
Timbs, John, and David A. Wells. Things Not Generally Known : A Popular Hand-Book of Facts Not Readily Accessible in Literature, History, and Science. D. Appleton and company, 1857. Closed Stacks Research ; AG105 .T62 1857.
27.
Disraeli, Isaac. Curiosities of Literature. Seventh edition, corr., J. Murray, 1823. Closed Stacks Research ; PN43 .D5 1823.
28.
Keese, John. The Poet’s Gift : Illustrated by One of Her Painters. Carter, 1845. Closed Stacks Research ; AY11 .P64 1845.
29.
Florenz, Karl, and Arthur Lloyd. Poetical Greetings from the Far East : Japanese Poems. T. Hasegawa, 1897. Closed Stacks Research ; PL884 .F63 1897.
30.
Dyce, Alexander. Specimens of British Poetesses ; Selected and Chronologically Arranged. T. Rodd, 1827. Closed Stacks Research ; PR1177 .D8 1827.
31.
Detached Pieces of Poetry. Printed by Rouse, Kirkby, & Lawrence, 1808. Closed Stacks Research ; PR3991.A6 M672 1808.
32.
Keble, John. Lyra Innocentium : Thoughts in Verse on Christian Children, Their Ways, and Their Privileges. J. H. Parker, 1846. Closed Stacks Research ; PR4839.K15 L8 1846.
33.
Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures under Ground. Macmillan and Co., 1886. [Alice's Adventures Under Ground / Being a Facsimile of the Original MS. Book Afterwards Developed into "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," by Lewis Carroll ; with thirty-seven illustrations by the author.] Closed Stacks Curriculum ; PZ8.D666 Al 1886.
34.
Hearn, Lafcadio. In Ghostly Japan. Little, Brown and Company, 1903. Closed Stack Research ; DS809 .H435.
35.
Bürger, Gottfried August, et al. Leonora. Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1847. Closed Stacks Research ; PT1829.L4 E4 1847.
36.
Hornby, E. F., and Emily F. Phipps Hornby. Fairybelle and Legends of Flowers : Two Fairy Tales. Printed by Blochmann and Son, 1870. Closed Stacks Juvenile ; PZ8 F34 1860.
37.
Medhurst, Mary Ann. Garden Fables or Flowers of Speech. Saunders, Otley, and Co., 1861. Closed Stacks Research ; PZ8.2 .M43 1861.
38.
Hornbook. Removed from Pocket of Tuer, Andrew White. History of the Horn-Book. Published by the Leadenhall Press, 1897. Closed Stacks Research ; Z1033.H8 T9 1897.
Wz 7.
39.
Hornbook. Removed from Pocket of Tuer, Andrew White. History of the Horn-Book. Published by the Leadenhall Press, 1897. Closed Stacks Research ; Z1033.H8 T9 1897.
Wz 8.
40.
Hornbook. Removed from Pocket of Tuer, Andrew White. History of the Horn-Book. Published by the Leadenhall Press, 1897. Closed Stacks Research ; Z1033.H8 T9 1897.
Wz 9.
41.
Tuer, Andrew White. History of the Horn-Book. Published by the Leadenhall Press, 1897.
Closed Stacks Research ; Z1033.H8 T9 1897.
42.
Humphreys, Henry Noel. Ocean Gardens : A History of the Marine Aquarium, with the Best Methods for Their Establishment and Preservation. S. Low, son and co., 1857. Closed Stacks Research ; QH68 .H92 1857.
43.
Wood, J. G. The Common Objects of the Sea Shore : Including Hints for an Aquarium. G. Routledge, 1857. Closed Stacks Research ; QH91.16 .W66 1866.
44.
Gore, J. Ellard. Star Groups : A Student’s Guide to the Constellations. Crosby Lockwood, 1891. Closed Stacks Research ; QB63 .G67 1891.
45.
Weir, Harrison William. Our Cats and All about Them ; Their Varieties, Habits, and Management. R. Clements and Co., 1889. Closed Stacks Research ; SF442 .W477 1889.
46.
Church, A. H., and Robert Henry Soden Smith. Flower and Bird Posies. Published by the authors, 1890. Closed Stacks Research ; PR4453.C58 F5 1890.
47.
Osborn, H. S. Plants of the Holy Land : With Their Fruits and Flowers, Beautifully Illustrated by Original Drawings, Colored from Nature. J. B. Lippincott & co., 1861. Closed Stacks Research ; BS665 .O7 1861.
48.
Gatty, Alfred, et al. Parables from Nature. First and Second Series. Bell and Daldy, 1873. Closed Stacks Research ; PZ6 1883 .G377 1873.
49.
Harper, John. Glimpses of Ocean Life, or, Rock-Pools and the Lessons They Teach. T. Nelson and sons, 1861. Closed Stacks Research ; QL122 .H3 1861.
50.
D’Leina, William. Spring Wild Flowers. T. Nelson, 1849. Closed Stacks Research ; PR5834.W95 S6 1849.
51.
De Kay, Charles, and George Wharton Edwards. Bird Gods. A. S. Barnes & co., 1898. Closed Stacks Research ; BL442 .D4 1898.
52.
Guthrie, James. The ELF : A Sequence of the Seasons / [No. 1-4] Spring 1902-Winter 1904. [Old Bourne Press], 1902. Closed Stacks Research ; AP4 .E34 1902-04.
53.
Cooper, D. Little Book of Botany. Darton and Clark, 1839. Closed Stacks Research ; QK49.C77 L77 1839.
54.
Thorndike, Lynn. A History of Magic and Experimental Science. The Macmillan company, 1923. Closed Stacks Research ; Q125 .T52 1923.
55.
Cooper, Susan Fenimore. Rural Hours. Sixth edition., W,P. Hazard, 1854. Closed Stacks Research ; QH81 .C775.
56.
Hey, Rebecca. The Moral of Flowers, : Illustrated by Coloured Engravings. [publisher not identified], 1833. Closed Stacks Research ; QK83 .M67 1833.
57.
Sterland, W. J. The Birds of Sherwood Forest : With Notes on Their Habits, Nesting, Migrations, Etc., Being a Contribution to the Natural History of the Country. L. Reeve, 1869. Closed Stacks Research ; QL690.G7 S7.
58.
Wright, Mabel Osgood, and Elliott Coues. Citizen Bird : Scenes from Bird-Life in Plain English for Beginners. Macmillan, 1898. Closed Stacks Research ; QL676 .W955.
59.
Badenoch, L. N. Romance of the Insect World. Macmillan and Co., 1893. Closed Stacks Research ; QL467 .B13 1893.
60.
Swainson, William. A Treatise on Malacology, or, Shells and Shell Fish. Printed for Longman, Orme, Brown, Green & Longmans [etc.], 1840. Closed Stacks Research ; QL403 .S8 1840.
61.
Brightwen, E. E. Inmates of My House and Garden. Macmillan and co., 1895. Closed Stacks Research ; QL81 .B83 1895.
62.
Kirby, Mary. Beautiful Birds in Far-off Lands ; Their Haunts and Homes. Nelson, 1872. Closed Stacks Research ; QL676.2 .K57 1872.
63.
Denton, Sherman F. As Nature Shows Them : Moths and Butterflies of the United States, East of the Rocky Mountains : With over 400 Photographic Illustrations in the Text and Many Transfers of Species from Life. Bradlee Whidden, 1900. Closed Stacks Research Oversize ; QL549 .D42.
64.
Snow, Elizabeth. Bouquet of Wild Flowers. [publisher not identified], 1843. Closed Stacks Research ; PR5459 .S685b 1843.
65.
Olcott, William Tyler. Star Lore of All Ages : A Collection of Myths, Legends, and Facts Concerning the Constellations of the Northern Hemisphere. G.P. Putnam’s sons, 1911. Closed Stacks Research ; GR625 .O43 1911.
66.
Smith, Goldwin. Bay Leaves ; Translations from the Latin Poets. Macmillan and co., 1893. Closed Stacks Research ; PA6156 .A2 1893.
67.
Bickersteth, Edward Henry. A Friend’s Hand : The Special Prayers. Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1890. Closed Stacks Research ; BV270 .B53 1890.
68.
Julian, et al. XVI Revelations of Divine Love : Shewed to Mother Juliana of Norwich 1373. K. Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., 1902. Closed Stacks Research ; BV4831 .J8 1902.
69.
Ephraem, and Henry Burgess. Select Metrical Hymns and Homilies of Ephraem Syrus. R. B. Blackander, 1853. Closed Stacks Research ; BV355.S9 E6 1853.
70.
Hall, Joseph. Occasional Meditations, Also the Breathings of the Devout Soul. Pickering, 1851. Closed Stacks Research ; Z232.C49 H346 1851.
71.
Barrett, William Alexander. Flowers and Festivals, or, Directions for the Floral Decoration of Churches. Second edition., Rivingtons, 1873. Closed Stacks Research ; SB449 .B377 1873.
72.
Loftie, W. J., and Robert Bateman. The Latin Year : A Collection of Hymns for the Seasons of the Church Selected from Mediæval and Modern Authors. B.M. Pickering, 1873. Closed Stacks Research ; BV468 .L64 1873x.
73.
In Memoriam Henry Ogden Avery. Closed Stacks Research ; NA737.A95 .M46 [1890].
74.
Keightley, Thomas, and Leonhard Schmitz. The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. Fourth edition / edited by Leonhard Schmitz ... With 12 plates from the antique., Appleton, 1877. Closed Stacks Research ; BL721 .K4 1877.
75.
St. John, James Augustus. The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece. R. Bentley, 1842. Closed Stacks Research ; DF91 .S14 1842.
76.
Cuyler, Emily, et al. The Church’s Floral Kalendar. Day & Son, Lithographers, 1862. Closed Stacks Research ; ND3410.T955 C55 1862.
77.
Macray, J. The Golden Lyre, Second Series ; Specimens of the Poets of England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. J. D. Haas, 1830. Closed Stacks Research ; PN6099 .G63 1830.
78.
Le Moyne, Pierre. La Gallerie des Femmes Fortes. [publisher not identified], 1660. Closed Stacks Research ; CT3201 .L44 1660.
79.
Adams, William, and Whitney & Jocelyn. Sacred Allegories. New edition / with engravings from original designs by Charles W. Cope, R.A.; John C. Horsley, A.R.A.; Samuel Palmer; Birket Foster; and George E. Hicks., Rivingtons, 1859. Closed Stacks Research ; BV4515 .A3 1859.
80.
Misson, Maximilien, and John Lacy. A Cry from the Desart, or, Testimonials of the Miraculous Things Lately Come to Pass in the Cevennes : Verified upon Oath, and by Other Proofs. Printed for B. Bragg at the Black-Raven in Pater-Noster-Row, 1707. Closed Stacks Research ; BX9456.C48 T4713 1707.
81.
Epitaph, or, A Collection of Memorials. 1826. TCANA ; A929.5 Ep4.
82.
Stone, Lucy Bradlee. Vexilla Regis Quotidie. B. Updike, 1895. Closed Stacks Research ; BV4810 .S8 1895.
83.
Dante Alighieri, et al. The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri. Fifth edition., Houghton, Mifflin, 1898. Closed Stacks Research ; PQ4315 .N7 1898.
About the Curiosity Cabinets
The Curiosity Cabinets showcase interesting and insightful material from the historical collections to inform and enhance concomitant art exhibitions and book displays. Read more here.
Where: Third Floor Reading Room
When: Fall 2025
