Philistine Rarity

Photos and commentary by Dick Blacher
 

Philistine Rarity

Walter Blackburn Harte began publishing "The Fly Leaf" in 1895 in Boston, in competition with The Philistine, and advertised it in the Philistine in 1896 (see Roycroft Collectibles by Charles Hamilton, Page 91). Hubbard talked him into giving up The Fly Leaf, and taking over the publication of The Philistine. His first, and perhaps last, issue was in April, 1896.

He put together a special limited edition of 100 copies to be
presented to contributors and friends. My copy, #79, was inscribed
to Alexander Jeffrey, Poet. Jeffrey's poem, "Death the Doorway,"
appears in this issue. Harte only lasted about a month (I believe he and Hubbard had a falling out), so this may have been his only issue of The Philistine. I would love to see Harte's inscription in Hubbard's copy. In any case, when it comes to Roycroftiana, never ASSUME anything!!!! Good hunting, Dick!

For a fuller description of how I found this, see Message #513 in the Photos section - Dick Blacher - of the Yahoo Roycroft chat room.

If you have questions, e-mail Dick Blacher at dblacher@snet.net

  | Home |   | Roycroft Quarterly Link |