Caxton club

Founded in Chicago in 1895 for the "literary study and promotion of the arts pertaining to the production of books." Toward this end the Club arranhes lectures and exhibits and occassionally publishes books. From the original membership of fifteen, the Club has grown to several hundred members.

The Caxton Club was founded in 1895 by collectors, publishers, designers, and librarians to support the publication of fine books. Named for William Caxton, who helped produce the first English language printed book, the Caxton Club sought to publish books whose content and design were of high quality. A private club in the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue provided a library, exhibition space for book collections, and a comfortable meeting place for members from 1899 to 1918. In 1936, meetings began to be held at the First National Bank Building. The Caxton Club was exclusively male until its first female member was admitted in 1976. The Club has published sixty books and one print in limited editions for sale to members and continues to attract bibliophiles to its membership.

A Chicago bibliophile club founded in 1895 with the objective of "literary study and promotion of the arts pertaining to the production of books."

The Caxton Club has published books and ephemeral pieces, sponsored exhibits, and held regular luncheons and dinner meetings with invited speakers on topics relating to the book. The Club maintained private club rooms at several Chicago locations until 1933 when financial considerations dictated that the club hold its meetings at restaurants and private clubs. The Mid-Day Club in the First National Bank Building has been its home since 1936.

Historical Note

The Caxton Club was founded in Chicago in 1895 for the literary study and promotion of the arts pertaining to the production of books. Toward this end the Club arranges lectures and exhibits and occasionally publishes books. From the original membership of fifteen, the Club has grown to several hundred members.