Warner Shippee

Many of the books on exhibit are from the collection of Warner Shippee. Mr. Shippee worked for the University’s Center of Urban and Regional Affairs for many years. His interest in book design began back in the late 1950s when he first acquired several copies of trade editions designed by Bruce Rogers. "With the purchase of one book, you are just a casual buying. When you buy two or more books," says Warner, "you become a collector." So over the years he acquired seventy-five trade and limited editions of Rogers’ designed books from local dealers. Several of the books have a personal interest. Samuel Crothers, a Unitarian minister, wrote and published a series of essays, which were designed by Bruce Rogers. Early in his career, Crothers was minister of Unity Church, St. Paul, where Mr. Shippee and his family have attended. There is no physical evidence that Rogers and Crothers knew each other, but the fact that Rogers designed three of Crothers books suggests a possible acquaintance. In June 2000, the collection was donated to The Minneapolis Athenaeum, after reading an article in the Star Tribune about the Library. Mr. Shippe is now retired and lives with his wife, Elizabeth, in St. Paul.