Megan Lepak describes Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon.
Title
Megan Lepak describes Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon.
Creator
Megan Lepak
Date
Spring 2020
Contributor
Caroline Martin
Description
An audio clip and transcript of Megan Lepak describing the physical qualities of Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon and why it is her favorite book in the "Beautiful Books" Collection.
[Audio recording is located at the bottom of the page under "Files."]
[Audio recording is located at the bottom of the page under "Files."]
Subject
Book Design
Format
Born-Digital Audio File (MP3) and Images
Language
English
Relation
The records for this book are located in these two collections: "Beautiful Books" Exhibit Collection and "Beautiful Books" Lobby Display Collection.
Rights
Rights to the audio file and transcription are retained by Miss Lepak. For permission to use, please email Miss Owens at kowens@flagler.edu and allow 2 weeks to process your request.
Duration
1 minute and 35 seconds
Transcription
Hello! Megan here!
It was an honor for me to get to work on both the original physical version of the Beautiful Books exhibit and its new digital incarnation. As such, I have grown especially fond of these Special Collections books. While it is impossible to choose just one favorite, there is a volume which I would like to highlight titled Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon.
We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but in this case that is especially challenging, the intricate stamped designs and image of a young woman on the front cover, all on light green cloth draws in the passerby with ease. This cover design seems to be reminiscent of the highly ornamental Chocolate box books from France in the 1800s, although admittedly more subdued.
Once the reader is caught by this book’s covers, they certainly will not be disappointed by the text block which features lithographic illustrations in a delicate watercolor-like style, as well as intricate floral Art Nouveau frames around the text on each and every page. I especially enjoy the little heart-shaped designs in the green ink frames. In fact, the frames and cover can potentially be attributed to Theodore Brown Hapgood, a prominent book designer, making this volume a real gem in our collection.
I haven’t yet had a chance to read the volume cover to cover, but just looking at it (and reading the chapter titles) transports the me to the early 1900's, it is a real delight!
It was an honor for me to get to work on both the original physical version of the Beautiful Books exhibit and its new digital incarnation. As such, I have grown especially fond of these Special Collections books. While it is impossible to choose just one favorite, there is a volume which I would like to highlight titled Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon.
We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but in this case that is especially challenging, the intricate stamped designs and image of a young woman on the front cover, all on light green cloth draws in the passerby with ease. This cover design seems to be reminiscent of the highly ornamental Chocolate box books from France in the 1800s, although admittedly more subdued.
Once the reader is caught by this book’s covers, they certainly will not be disappointed by the text block which features lithographic illustrations in a delicate watercolor-like style, as well as intricate floral Art Nouveau frames around the text on each and every page. I especially enjoy the little heart-shaped designs in the green ink frames. In fact, the frames and cover can potentially be attributed to Theodore Brown Hapgood, a prominent book designer, making this volume a real gem in our collection.
I haven’t yet had a chance to read the volume cover to cover, but just looking at it (and reading the chapter titles) transports the me to the early 1900's, it is a real delight!
Collection
Citation
Megan Lepak, “Megan Lepak describes Cowardice Court by George Barr McCutcheon.,” Beautiful Books in Flagler College's Special Collections, accessed May 7, 2024, https://beautifulbooks.omeka.net/items/show/144.