Two archive boxes, one containing wood blocks, the other containing 6 file folders.

Harold Mallette Dean (1907-1975), was born in Spokane, Washington where he lived until 1927. He then moved to San Francisco where he studied at the California School of Fine Arts for three and a half years. Between 1929 and 1940 he received many awards for his painting and prints. From 1934 to 1941and from 1945 to 1950 he illustrated books for the Grabhorn Press and others. In 1950 he started working as a free-lance artist and printer at his home in Fairfield, Marin County. He provided illustrations for books by the Colt Press, the Allen Press, Taylor & Taylor, Dawson's, James Beard, and others. He bought a Colt's Armory press in 1939 and used it mainly for printing greeting cards and bookplates. In late 1951, Lewis Allen suggested he illustrate and print a book of beasts, plants, and stones, translated from Greek and in 1953, his first book, 'Physiologus,' was completed and became the Book Club of California's Christmas book that year. He went on to print several other books for the Book Club. In addition, he did other printing including stationary, announcements, and cards.

The Book Club of California has not been assigned copyright of the collection. Requests for permission to publish or quote must be submitted in writing to the Club Librarian and pertains only to the use of the physical item. For materials still under copyright, users are also responsible for obtaining permission from the rights holder.

Collection is open for research.