Literature as Advertising ephemera collection, 1890s-1956

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Collection is open for research.
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Summary

Creator:
John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History, Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture, and History of Medicine Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
Abstract:
Collection consists of examples of printed ephemeral literature produced as advertising for products or brands. Items include children's stories, historical biographies, literary works, and other items issued for artistic or creative purposes, all published or sponsored by a company and including brand or product advertising information. The collection's items have been assembled from a variety of sources.
Extent:
0.5 Linear Feet (1 box, 1 oversize folder)
Language:
Materials in English and French.
Collection ID:
RL.13110

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of printed ephemeral materials distributed to consumers (and consumers' families or children) as a means of promoting brands or products through literature, story-telling, humor, or poetry. Items tend to promote the advantages of using particular products, often incorporating magical or miraculous qualities. Most items contain images of the products being promoted, including directions for use or suggestions on where to acquire the product. Several items included are intended for use by children, featuring children's games or characters. Examples of companies or products present in this collection include: Lydia E. Pinkham Medicine Company; Knox Gelatine; Fleischmann's yeast; Pertussin cough syrup; International Harvester Company of America; Chase and Sanborn's coffee and teas; Clark's O.N.T. thread; Van Camp Products Company; Hershey's chocolate; Colman's mustard; and others.

Some items contain racist caricatures or depictions, and some items contain racist terms and language.

Biographical / historical:

"Literature as advertising" are printed and published works, existing in a variety of formats, which incorporate advertising of a particular product or brand. At times the literary work is sponsored by the company, and includes a coupon or other advertisements promoting a product; other times references or images of the product or brand are integrated throughout the literary work as incorporated aspects of the storyline. Ephemeral literature as advertising consists of bound pamphlets or other short or small paper-based printed items which were produced with short-term or one-time uses in mind. Companies often created literature as advertising as a means of amusing, educating, or engaging a consumer audience (including the consumer's children or other family members) while simultaneously informing them about various products or brands.

Acquisition information:
The Literature as Advertising Ephemera Collection was acquired by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as purchases or transfers, beginning in 2023. Some materials have been transferred to this collection from other advertising ephemera collections held in Rubenstein Library.
Custodial history:

Collection has been assembled by RL staff from materials from the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising, and Marketing; the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture; and the History of Medicine Collection.

Processing information:

Processed by Meghan Lyon, November 2024

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2023-0220

Arrangement:

Items are arranged alphabetically by title.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the Rubenstein Library's Citations, Permissions, and Copyright guide.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Literature as Advertising Ephemera Collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https:/idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m13176