The Tiny Case Exhibit is a new rotating exhibit available for viewing in the Archives and Special Collections reading room. Every month or two there will be a few new items to see in a small display case at the front desk in the Archives. This is an opportunity for the Archives to display items that may not fit into one of our larger exhibits, items that pertain to a certain time of the year, or just items that members of our staff find interesting.

The first item displayed in the Tiny Case is our multi-volume first edition copy of Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Jonathan Swift, or more commonly known as Gulliver’s Travels. Gulliver’s Travels was first published in 1726 under the pseudonym “Lemuel Gulliver,” who was also the main character of the novel. In the novel, Gulliver travels to several islands full of fantastical creatures such as horses with human-level intelligence (Houyhnhnms) and people who are 6 inches tall (Lilliputians). The novel satirized the political atmosphere of the time as well as the popular travelogue genre. The first edition, first printing of the novel was released in October of 1726, but sold out within three weeks. A second printing of the first edition was then made in November, which included the volumes now displayed in the Archives.

In the future, the Tiny Case exhibit will display items relating to seasons, holidays, commemorative months, and more. Starting in late August or early September, the Tiny Case Exhibit will switch its theme to display items in honor of Bracken Library’s 50th birthday. So, make sure to stop by the Archives next month to see what is displayed!