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Course & Subject Guides

Archives & Special Collections Exhibits

Guide on Past and Current Archives & Special Collections Exhibits @ the University of Pittsburgh Library System - Oakland (2020-present)

Novels Without Words: Storytelling in Relief (Summer 2024-Present)

Date of Exhibition: Summer 2024-Present

Curator: Lark Wilson (Master of Library and Information Science Graduate Student)

Location: Archives & Special Collections exhibit gallery, 3rd floor Hillman Library, University of Pittsburgh 3960 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Description: Novels without words, also called wordless novels and woodblock novels, were a unique genre of art book published between the the early 20th century until around the 1950s. Largely illustrated using woodcuts, the novels are now considered the precursor to the graphic novel and the genre has influenced artists and writers such as Art Spiegelman and Allen Ginsberg. Despite their influence, the genre remains largely unknown. This exhibit presents a small selection of works from the University of Pittsburgh Library System's Archives & Special Collections, offering a glimpse into this rich genre.

  • Guide to the Walter and Martha Leuba Papers, 1735-1988 SC.1988.01
    Walter and Martha Leuba collected books, woodblock prints, and signed letters of writers, artists, and other notable figures. Walter Leuba was a prolific writer of poetry and prose, with a focus on literature and music. The papers in this collection document the Leubas' collecting activities, Walter's writing projects, and the Leubas' lives.
  • Walter and Martha Leuba Collection
    The thousands of woodblock illustrated books, including many novels without words, collected by the Leubas are held by the University of Pittsburgh Archives & Special Collections (A&SC) and can be viewed in the A&SC reading room.

The books in this list are available to check out and enjoy at home through the ULS!

Exhibit Photographs