CU Library observes milestone acquisition

On March 5, Cornell University Library celebrated its 7 millionth acquisition: Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War, a gift by two Cornell alumni donors. Published in 1865 and 1866, the two-volume set is one of the most important pieces of photographic literature produced during the Civil War era. The milestone acquisition is a gift of university trustee Thomas A. Mann '64 and his wife, Diann Goodman Mann '66.

From left, University Librarian Sarah Thomas; trustee Thomas A. Mann '64; Shirley Samuels, professor of English and of American Studies; and President Hunter Rawlings take part in Cornell Library's seven-millionth volume celebration, March 5. Open on the table is the first-edition copy of Alexander Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the War (1865-66), given to the library by Mann and his wife, Diann Goodman Mann '66. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

With its powerful juxtaposition of stark images and richly suggestive text, Gardner's Sketch Book is a vital primary source for students of the Civil War and American history. The work itself comprises 100 photographs compiled by the Scottish photographer Alexander Gardner, taken by Gardner and 10 other influential photographers of the day, including Timothy O'Sullivan, John Reekie and George Barnard. The images chronicle the Civil War and its important battles, emphasizing such major sites of conflict as Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg. Many of the photographs present graphic scenes of casualties and destruction; some have been so widely reproduced that they have become iconic testaments to the devastation of the war.

Gardner's Sketch Book enriches Cornell Library's collections chronicling American history, enhancing the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections holdings of significant rare books, manuscripts and photographs documenting the history of the abolitionist movement and the American Civil War.

Thomas and Diann Mann have a keen interest in Civil War books, manuscripts and photographs and have collected a number of special materials from that era. They also collect 19th- and 20th-century photography and share a particular interest in the conservation and preservation of these important pieces of American art. Both are members of the Advisory Council of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and are long-time members of the University Council. Thomas Mann has been a member of the Cornell Board of Trustees since 1998 and currently chairs the board's Research Committee.

The Sketch Book is on display in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, on level 2B of the Kroch Library, and also can be viewed online at http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/7milVol.

Highlights from the library's impressive American historical materials, including the Sketch Book, will be on view from June to September of 2003, as part of a major exhibition on the history of abolitionism, from its origins in the 18th century through the Civil War. The exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to view some of the library's greatest treasures, including a copy of the Gettysburg Address in Abraham Lincoln's hand, a manuscript copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln and a presentation copy of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.