A genuine slice of American Arts-and-Crafts printing: five antique issues of The Philistine: A Periodical of Protest—Elbert Hubbard’s sharp, witty “little magazine” from the Roycroft world. These pocket-sized booklets are packed with short essays, cultural commentary, aphorisms, and period advertising, making them catnip for readers, designers, and paper collectors alike.
The bold typography and iconic cover layouts are photo-verified, and the set presents beautifully as an authentic, time-worn bundle. Expect age and wear—these are over 100 years old and priced accordingly.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Antique periodical booklets (bundle of 5)
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Size: Approx. 5 × 4 inches
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Material: Paper wraps / printed paper
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Color: Tan/kraft paper with black and red printing
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Origin or Maker: Society of the Philistines / Roycroft circle (East Aurora, New York: Not provided on every piece)
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Year or Era: 1899–1902
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GENRE: Literary Satire & Social Commentary (Arts-and-Crafts / Roycroft Ephemera)
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Language / Pages: English / Approx. 92 pages
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: Original periodical issues (exact printings: Not provided)
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Dust Jacket: Not applicable
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Typography-forward pages, decorative initials, and period advertisements (specific plates: Not provided)
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Extras: Photo-visible volume/number and month/year on covers (see “What’s Included”)
What’s Included (photo-verified issues)
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March 1899 — Vol. 8 No. 4
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July 1900 — Vol. 11 No. 2
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August 1900 — Vol. 11 No. 3
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January 1901 — Vol. 12 No. 2
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June 1902 — Vol. 15 No. 1
(Any additional issue details beyond cover text: Not provided.)
Condition Grade: Fair
Notes: This bundle is complete as pictured and shows heavy age wear consistent with fragile paper from the turn of the century: noticeable toning/soiling, edge and corner wear, creasing, small tears, and cover stress. Some issues show old tape/repairs and general handling fatigue. Interior pages appear generally legible in the photos, but overall these are as-is, collector/ephemera condition rather than “clean bookshelf” copies.
- See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
About the Author: Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Hubbard was a writer and cultural provocateur tied to the Roycroft movement; The Philistine became his well-known “little magazine,” mixing commentary with progressive-era flavor and Roycroft-world advertising.
If you love paper with a past, this bundle delivers the real thing—no replicas, no pretending.
Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
About Reading Vintage
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.
