The Library Company Celebrates its Newest Exhibition: Philadelphia Gothic

On October 29 our gallery, Reading Room, and Logan room were overflowing with guests who came to catch the first viewing of “Philadelphia Gothic: Murders, Mysteries, Monsters, and Mayhem Inspire American Fiction, 1798-1854,” and to hear a talk by Christopher Looby, English Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. More than 130 members and friends enjoyed cocktails, refreshments, and special coffin-shaped cookies, topped by gothic-inspired icing.

Though Halloween has come and gone it is not too late to get acquainted with the three Philadelphia novelists who greatly influenced Edgar Allan Poe – Charles Brockden Brown, Robert Montgomery Bird, and George Lippard. The exhibition is on view through April 14, 2009 and is open to the public free of charge. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 4:45pm.