Exploring Eclipses through Text and Observation

Today in Tallahassee from approximately 2:45 PM to 4:17PM those interested in astronomy will be able to see a partial solar eclipse! While Tallahassee viewers will only get to see 71% of a total solar eclipse, the phenomenon is still a rare sight to behold. In fact, people have been looking to the skies to

Learning by Touch in Special Collections & Archives

Special Collections & Archives features unique books that emphasize touch alongside visual elements. Notable examples include “American Woods” with thinly sliced wood samples and “American Fabrics” with fabric swatches, enhancing the tactile learning experience. Another highlight is a specimen book on parchment, showcasing different types through touch and sight. Visit to explore these tactile treasures.

Text Technologies Spotlight: Incunables

Incunabula are books printed before 1501 CE, the term ‘incunabula’ originating from the Latin ‘incunabulum’ meaning cradle or birthplace. Some of these books were printed using movable metal type, others were printed with engraved wooden blocks. The method of woodblock printing originated in China during the 7th century CE, and was practiced in Europe mainly

Forgotten Cookies

A guest post by John G. Riley House Intern Roxy Rico. “It’s getting there.” Hopeful, vigorous whisking.  “See? It’s a bit thicker…” “Are you sure?” “I think so…” “Give it to me.” Less hopeful, rather aggressive whisking. Twenty, then twenty five minutes passed like this. We don’t own an electric mixer; naturally, I decided to

Announcing…The Great Rare Books Bake Off 2023!

It is the most wonderful time of the year here at FSU! The Great British Bake Off Season 14 is premiering and it is still spooky season for a few more days. This will be our fourth year of celebrating all things baking, cooking, and mixing here in FSU Special Collections & Archives. Last year we chose

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Summer vacation is an exciting time for the faculty and staff of FSU as well as the students. Often summer is a quieter time around campus and it is easier to dedicate time to research or specialized projects. While I did spend several weeks of summer devoted to personal travel, I also spent a week

Under Lock and Key: The Chained Book

One of our most interesting books from the late medieval/early modern period is our copy of Sermones discipuli. The materiality of this book is impressive, with it’s heavy covers, brass cornerpieces and brass bosses. However, one of the more interesting elements lies at the top of the book, where a heavy metal ring is attached

The One-Millionth Book in Strozier Library

In 1971, Strozier Library held a two day celebration to commemorate its acquisition of the one-millionth volume for the university. In addition to an exhibit in the library, a piano performance, and a student book award contest, librarians and faculty members had deliberated on an appropriate book to celebrate such an important moment in the

Current Reads: The Trial By Franz Kafka

This post was written by Yenesis Sotomayor, Special Collections & Archives collections management associate. Hello, fellow literary connoisseurs! I am currently engaging in Franz Kafka’s Germanic dystopian The Trial. My experience so far, you may ask, consists of me sinking deeper into my hunchback position and feasting off Kafka’s depressing tale. I adore the bitter

Beautiful Bindings in the Shaw Collection

The John MacKay Shaw Childhood in Poetry Collection is the home of thousands of books which means that it is also the home of thousands of bindings. A lot of the time, the binding of a book is overlooked so, seeing as I have spent the last couple of months studying the books and bindings