The Alison Eliason Library is an integral aspect of Marc-James Mews. An extensive collection of books,
manuscripts, early Ecclesiastic bindings, illuminated and early printed leaves, 17th and 18th Century indentures,
15th Century woodblocks, 12th Century brass rubbings from York Minster, and other incunabula
are available for viewing upon request. This is an impressive library that dates back to 13th Century.
The Alison Eliason Library has recently been bequeathed a gift of the entire Theological Collection
of books from the Library of Dr. Tom Kimball.
A fine example of illuminated manuscript. The Alison Eliason Library
has a diverse collection of leaves of illumination similar to the image above.
To view them please click on the Literary Leaves Button at the top of this page.
The Marc-James Mews Library is named in honor of Alison Eliason.
Ms. Eliason has an deep interest in the preservation and the sharing of the printed word.
For nearly a century she has visited countless museums around the world,
taken an active interest in archeology, and has contributed her time to many local museums.
She has volunteered at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento, with over twenty
years of dedication earned the title of Docent for the prestigious Crocker Museum in Sacramento,
and was awarded Docent Emeritus of the Marc-James Manor Museum in 2003.
Her dedication to education, research and preservation
has been and will remain an inspiration to all that meet her.
Description: Julius Caesar, a Tragedy, Small Quarto
London: Printed for Henry Herringman and Richard Bentley, 1691.
This is a rare Fifth Edition of this celebrated Play. It contains the cast.
To view them please click on the Books of Merit Button at the top of this page.
The following photographs are taken from the dining area of the Alison Eliason Library.
The library is divided into three distinct sections: the earliest volumes (some represented here), the antiques reference
section in the museum exhibit room and the general library collection.
A beautiful silver chalice and paten on display with some of the books.
A nice grouping of Victorian Stoneware Apostle-patterned
ceramics
Parian Bust of William Shakespeare Circa1860
A corner view of two of 14 bookcases in the main library.
These two cabinets contain
part of a large collection of Easton Press editions.
The
West corner of the library dining room with a glimpse of Springtime sunshine.
Substantial French bronze figure representing a Poet Laureate, circa 1850*
Below are photos from a very large desktop inkstand from the Wells
Theological College in
the Cathedral City of Wells in England.
This inkstand was added to the Library in Memory of James F. Neal
in July of 2009 to commemorate his 64th birthday.
A close up of the coat of arms of the Wells Theological College (founded circa
1847) Library Inkstand.
The quote is from St. Paul in Latin : Absit mihi glorianri mihi in cruce (far
be it from me to glory
except in the cross)... and then the school name below: Coll. Theolo.
Wellens 18
This is the building that houses the college library in Wells.
This is where the
inkstand stood for over a century.
Note the coat of arms over the door.
When you tour Marc-James Mews, please visit the Alison Eliason Library.
Ask Marc to share his rare books, manuscripts, 13th-16th illuminations, and incunabula.
Sorry, items displayed on this page are not for sale.
*Provenance: The Edward Davidson Silver Collection