A fascinating dialogue is emerging in the world of book collecting, one that contests traditional perspectives on ownership and historical preservation. The Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize has become a vital platform for reshaping the narrative around who book collectors are and what motivates them. Since its inception in 2017, this prize has highlighted the contributions of young women collectors, tapping into themes of agency and the democratization of collecting practices. This year’s $1,000 prize went to Alexandra E. LaGrand, whose collection not only showcases her academic focus but also sparks broader discussions about gender representation in the arts.
Unpacking the Collections: Cultural and Historical Significance
LaGrand's awarded collection, titled “Archiving the Shakespearean Breeches Actress,” encapsulates a rich intersection of gender studies and theatrical history. By assembling nearly forty artifacts, including letters and playbills, LaGrand constructs a narrative around women in breeches roles—a theater tradition where actresses perform male parts. Her keen focus on Charlotte Cushman, a trailblazing American actress known for her breeches performances, emphasizes both personal ambition and scholarly rigor. LaGrand's approach reveals how collecting can serve as a form of cultural history preservation, transforming her scholarly research into a tangible, material form.
Yet, what truly distinguishes LaGrand’s collection is her digital contribution, the database titled Points Like A Man, which catalogs historical records of genderfluid performance in Shakespearean theater. This project embodies the synergy between digital humanities and traditional collecting, suggesting that academic inquiry can extend beyond the confines of the library into the public domain. By making these records accessible, LaGrand not only enriches her own work but also encourages broader engagement with historical narratives that have often been overlooked.
Honorable Mentions: Diverse Voices in Book Collecting
The 2025 prize also recognized an impressive array of honorable mentions, each highlighting unique collecting narratives that reflect personal journeys and cultural interests. Ashleigh McConnell’s quest to amass editions of Jane Eyre offers a compelling reflection on identity and place. With over three hundred variants, McConnell’s collection narrates her travels and experiences, turning each book into a chapter of her life’s story. This is more than just collecting; it’s about mapping the geography of her encounters with literature and culture.
In a similar vein, Nat McGartland's exploration of Scots as a language opens an essential dialogue about cultural identity, especially in the context of Scotland's ongoing quest for independence. Her decision to collect items that document Scots as a distinct language reflects a deep awareness of the political and historical significance inherent in language preservation. This pivot from historical texts to contemporary writers signifies a generational shift that acknowledges the evolving landscape of Scottish literature.
In the realm of subcultural preservation, Bella Savignano illuminates the often-overlooked world of glam rock. Her collection began with a serendipitous box of memorabilia from a defunct NYC boutique, a testament to the power of chance in the collecting process. Savignano’s ambition to reconstruct the narrative of the New York glam rock scene attests to a growing recognition of the importance of documenting marginalized cultural histories. Again, a dual commitment to personal passion and academic rigor emerges as a defining feature among this year’s contenders.
Expanding the Definition of Collecting: New Frontiers
The presence of unconventional collections in this year’s field raises essential questions about what constitutes valuable collecting today. Amalia V., a professional dominatrix, contributes a collection focused on sex work and female domination, emphasizing the necessity of capturing narratives from communities often marginalized in academic discourse. Her insight into the socio-cultural dimensions of her collection challenges traditional perspectives on literature and historical documentation, revealing a complex interplay between erotic labor, community, and the act of preservation.
Jaeden Yoshikawa’s exploration of “lover’s” sites through real photo postcards extends the definition of collecting even further. By focusing on the intersection of romance, memory, and ephemera, Yoshikawa underscores how physical objects can evoke emotional connections and historical reflections. Each postcard is reminiscent of personal stories and cultural significance, proving that collecting can transcend mere ownership to encompass a broader exploration of human experience.
A Community of Collectors: The Importance of Visibility
This prize not only honors individual collections but also serves as a broader statement about the evolving landscape of book collecting. By elevating the voices of young women, Honey & Wax shifts the narrative away from traditional, perhaps elitist views, toward a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a collector today. This initiative empowers future collectors to see the value in their passions and unique perspectives, potentially inspiring them to embark on their own journeys of discovery and preservation.
If you’re working in academic circles or the book trade, the implications are evident: understanding collecting as a multifaceted cultural practice invites richer conversations around ownership, history, and representation. There's a vibrant community of emerging collectors ready to redefine norms, and supporting these voices can lead to a more diverse and comprehensive understanding of our cultural heritage.
The Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize exemplifies how shifting the focus onto diverse narratives can invigorate the conversation around book collecting and its significance in societal contexts. As we look to the future, engaging with these emerging voices will undoubtedly yield richer, more inclusive historical narratives that resonate well beyond the realm of books.
