As the old adage reminds us, March roars in like a lion and out like lamb. This poster advertising the March 1895 edition of The Bookman makes witty reference to this saying with bold graphic style. The undulating lines around the lion seem to amplify its might roar, while the small lamb at its feet bleats mildly. Founded in February 1895, The Bookman was a product of the great publishing boom of the 1890s and is credited with establishing the first best-sellers list. This sheet is one of 47 posters recently donated to the Museum by trustee Daniel Bergsvik and his husband Donald Hastler. It was featured in The Art of Reading: American Publishing Posters of the 1890s.”
—Mary Weaver Chapin, Curator of Prints and Drawings
M.E. Norton (American, active 1890s), The Bookman: March, 1895. Lithograph. Gift of Daniel Bergsvik and Donald Hastler, 2020.42.23
