Book-Shaped Vanity Case An inventory of the item at Syracuse University

Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center

Faux books, sometimes called "blooks" (as in, they look like books) have a long history. Over the centuries, items ranging from clocks to spice jars to cigarette dispensers have been made in the appearance of books. Some serve serious purposes (an 18th century wooden volume that opens up into a small altar); others are useful (safekeeping for valuables); still others are humorous (a comb and brush inside a "book" whose author is "Y.B. Untidy").

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

This Book-shaped vanity case consists of a small box created to look like a book of sextodecimo (16mo) size. The internal shape suggests it was used to carry two small flasks, perhaps of perfume or smelling salts. The "book" is bound in red morocco with gilt decorations and a small black label with the "title" Oeuvre Chretien.

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Arrangement of the Collection

Single item.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advance notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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