Little lights 1888

This is the flyleaf from Harriet R. MacPherson's book, "Little Lights," made of paper and bound with a simple binding. The flyleaf is the blank page at the beginning of a book, often used for inscriptions or dedications. The material of this page is modest, as is the inscription it carries, which reads, "Mrs. C.H. Rusch, With kind regards of, Dr. and Mrs. D. MacPherson." The paper is thin and smooth, likely produced in a mill, then cut and bound with thread. Paper, a common material, has a fascinating history intertwined with the development of printing and the spread of knowledge. MacPherson’s choice of such an unassuming surface invites us to consider the meaning of everyday objects. The care and consideration that go into the making of even the simplest things can be profound. Flyleaves such as this demonstrate that even an apparently humble piece of stationery is a potent vehicle for conveying personal connection. It helps to remember that the things we overlook often have the most to tell us.