Our Philadelphia . chuylkill? Where else was there so soon asociety—a junto—devoted to learning? In innumerable ways I could see, once I could seeanything, how Philadelphia was preparing itself all alongfor literary pursuits and accomplishment. Let me brag alittle, if Philadelphia wont. Wasnt it in Germantownthat the first paper mill of the Colonies was set up? Wasntit there that the New Testament was printed in German—and went into seven editions—before any other Colonyhad the enterprise to print it in English, so that SaursTestament is now a treasure for the collector? Isnt itmaintained by s
Our Philadelphia . chuylkill? Where else was there so soon asociety—a junto—devoted to learning? In innumerable ways I could see, once I could seeanything, how Philadelphia was preparing itself all alongfor literary pursuits and accomplishment. Let me brag alittle, if Philadelphia wont. Wasnt it in Germantownthat the first paper mill of the Colonies was set up? Wasntit there that the New Testament was printed in German—and went into seven editions—before any other Colonyhad the enterprise to print it in English, so that SaursTestament is now a treasure for the collector? Isnt itmaintained by some authorities, if others dispute it, thatthe first Bible in English was published in Philadelphia byRobert Aitken, at Popes Head above the Coffee House,in Market Street ? And Philadelphia issued the firstAmerican daily paper, the most important of the firstAmerican reviews, the most memorable Almanac ofColonial days—can any other compete with Poor Rich-ards? And Philadelphia opened the first Circulating. c . MAIN STREET, GERMANTOWN PHILADELPHIA AND LITERATURE 313 Library—the Philadelphia Library is no benevolent up-start of to-day. And Philadelphia publishers were foryears the most go-ahead and responsible—who did notknow the names of Gary, Lea, Rlanchard, Griggs,Lippincott, knew nothing of the publishing trade. AndPhiladelphia book stores, with Lippincotts leading,were the best patronized. And Philadelphia had themonopoly of the English book trade, with Thomas Wardleto direct it. And Philadelphia held its own views on copy-right and stuck to them in the face of opposition foryears—whether right or wrong does not matter, the thingis that it cared enough to have views. There is a recordfor you! Why the literary man had only to appear, andPhiladelphia was all swept and garnished for his comfortand convenience. And the literary man did appear, with amazingpromptness under the circumstances. When the demandwas for political writers, Philadelphia supplied Franklin,
Size: 2101px × 1190px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectlithographyamerican
