HarperCollins and the Columbia University Rare Book and Manuscript Library have announced an exhibition celebrating the publisher’s 200th anniversary. Open now through July 21 in the library’s Kempner Gallery, “Harper & Brothers to HarperCollins Publishers: A Bicentennial Exhibition” highlights continuity and change in the publishing industry. The exhibit includes, among other things, the contract for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Thomas Nast’s political cartoons for Harper’s Weekly, and correspondence with historical figures like John F. Kennedy and Richard Wright.
As a part of the launch, they will hold a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 12, moderated by Columbia Publishing Course director Shaye Areheart and featuring: Josh Marwell, president of sales for HarperCollins; Katherine Tegen, vice president and publisher of Katherine Tegen Books; and Hugh Van Dusen, former editor of Torchbooks and Perennial.
Harper spokesperson Erin Crum says in the release, “This exhibition is a physical expression of the incredible authors and passionate employees who have helped HarperCollins grow from a small, family-run printing company into the global publisher we are today.” Outside of the company, Columbia is the primary holder of HarperCollins-related historical materials from Harper & Brothers, Harper & Row, and the papers of James Harper.