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Albert M. Bender Collection
ARC 528  
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Description
Albert M. Bender was an insurance broker, patron of the arts, and trustee of Mills College. He had friends of distinguished reputation throughout California and throughout the world. In the allied field of fine printing, his influence has been at least equally wide. His desire to share with others his enthusiasm for the masterpieces of book production has led him to establish four collections of fine printing in the bay region; at Stanford University, the University of California, Mills College, and the San Francisco Public Library. John Henry Nash was a distinguished fine book printer who immigrated to the United States from Canada after mastering book printing. He established his fine book press in Carmel, Livermore, and later San Francisco.
Background
George Sterling (1869-1926), American poet, came to San Francisco in 1890 to work for his uncle in real estate. A promising young poet, he met and was befriended by Jack London, Joaquin Miller, Mary Austin, Charles Warren Stoddard, and Ambrose Bierce, who became his mentor. In 1905, Sterling and his wife moved to Carmel, where he became one of the integral figures in the bohemian colony of artist and writers there until 1913. His diaries on life in Carmel in that period are in the Bancroft Library. Charles Warren Stoddard (1853-1909), American poet and travel writer, came to San Francisco in 1855 with his family. He published his first poem in 1861 and his first collection of poetry in 1867 in an edition edited by Bret Harte. Stoddard, a convert to Catholicism, subsequently taught English and literature at Catholic universities and traveled extensively. His books on the South Seas and Hawaii etablished his literary reputation as much if not more than his poetry. He returned to California in 1905 to write a series of articles on the missions. He soon settled in Monterey for the duration of his life. John Henry Nash (1871-1947), American painter and bibliophile, b. Woodbridge, Canada. After learning the printer's trade, he emigrated to the United States in 1894. He eventually became professor of typography at the Univ. of Oregon. Nash published finely crafted editions of several works, including the The Divine Comedy (1929) and Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. He was famous for his collection of books with handmade bindings. Nash's press was located at various times in Carmel, Livermore, and San Francisco, California.
Extent
67 items, 5 boxes, 3 cubic ft.
Restrictions
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.
Availability
By appointment only; Contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.