The Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize has been a beacon for young women collectors since its inception in 2017. Its mission revolves around elevating the profiles of book collectors under 30, shifting perceptions about who can be a collector in today’s literary landscape. This year’s entries were particularly compelling, showcasing the resourcefulness and creativity of the participants.
This year, the prize awarded $1,000 and underscored the importance of women in the collecting sphere. The esteemed winner is:
WINNER
Alexandra E. LaGrand, 29, a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University, won for her collection titled “Archiving the Shakespearean Breeches Actress.”
LaGrand’s collection is a deep dive into the world of nineteenth-century British theater, focusing on the actresses who dared to take on traditionally male roles. Her assortment features nearly forty printed and manuscript pieces, including playbills, letters, and a unique 1878 prompt book from a production of Macbeth showcasing “Miss Lewis” as Donalbain.
Central to her collection is a dedicated ensemble centered on Charlotte Cushman, one of the first American actresses to earn international acclaim while performing in breeches roles. LaGrand expressed her desire to acquire items that had once belonged to Cushman, stating, “I wanted to collect items [Cushman] had touched to closely feel the history of her career.” This quest led her to manuscripts, personal letters, and even first editions that typify the intrigue of literary collecting.
"I’ve found a grangerized first edition of Emma Stebbins’s biography of Cushman, which not only includes unique materials but paints a picture of her cultural significance,” LaGrand shared, highlighting her ambition in sourcing these rare pieces.
In addition to her collecting work, LaGrand has also developed Points Like A Man, a public database dedicated to genderfluid Shakespearean performance. Her ability to intertwine digital humanities with traditional collecting is especially commendable.
Read LaGrand’s winning essay and bibliography here.
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In addition to LaGrand, five honorable mentions were recognized, each awarded $250:
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Ashleigh McConnell, 29, from Washington State, for “My Journey with Jane: A Tale of Discovery and the Birth of a Collector.”
McConnell’s ambitious endeavor involves collecting over three hundred editions of Jane Eyre, with aspirations for every edition from its original release in 1847 onward.
Her journey began during a study abroad trip in Europe, where she sought copies of Jane Eyre in the languages of the countries she visited. This pursuit grew into a memoir of her travels, with each book representing a memory or experience from her excursions.
Having connected deeply with the text through various adaptations, she has also ventured into collecting prequels, sequels, and even theatrical scripts, showcasing her dynamic approach to literary gathering.
Nat McGartland, 30, a doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland, for “Quhare scant wes Scottis: A Political History of the Scots Language.”
Her collection addresses the Scots language’s distinctiveness, featuring glossaries, dictionaries, and seminal publications that elevate Scots from a mere dialect to a fully recognized language.
McGartland’s project reflects a resurgence of interest in Scottish identity, as she integrates historical works with contemporary writings by Scots women, drawing a connection between past and present expressions of the language.
Bella Savignano, 24, an administrator at Swann Galleries, for “Flashbang: Amplifying a Revisionist History of Glam Rock.”
Savignano’s foundation lies in an unexpected gift of archival materials from a NYC store pivotal to glam rock culture. Her collection documents the convergence of fashion and music in a transformative period.
As she delves into advertisements and memorabilia, she highlights the ephemeral aspects of a culture that often escapes historical discourse, revealing its lasting impact on music and style.
Amalia V., 29, a professional dominatrix in NYC, for “Collecting Sex,” featuring over 150 works intersecting sex work, BDSM, and FemDom culture.
Amalia V.'s collection serves as cultural preservation, showcasing often marginalized narratives through materials that represent the complexity of sexual expression.
Her unique assemblage includes rare publications that challenge societal norms and provide insight into the lives of sex workers as integral members of their communities.
Jaeden Yoshikawa, 30, a professional archivist from Mankato, Minnesota, for “A Trip Down Lover’s Lane: A Collection of Lover’s Real Photo Post Cards.”
Yoshikawa's collection explores ephemeral beautiful postcards representing intimate tourist locations, reflective of societal concepts of love and relationships.
Her project examines the intersection of imagery and narrative in the context of these spaces, revealing eloquent insights about romance through the lens of historical ephemera.
For more on last year’s winners, click here.
The Honey & Wax Prize's co-founders, Heather O’Donnell of Honey & Wax Booksellers and Rebecca Romney of Type Punch Matrix, extend their gratitude to the esteemed sponsors for their support.
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