The origin of the phrase “letting the cat out the bag” is not clear. Some believe that the phrase did not first appear in print until 1760—33 years after our first edition of Les Chats (The Cats) was first published in France. Regardless, the phrase holds true for this exhibit of recent acquisitions, most of which are seen here for the first time since arriving at the University of North Texas over the past two years.
The items selected for this exhibit demonstrate the full breadth of special collections. Highlights include works from the University Archive, the fine press and print history collection, the artists’ book collection and modern manuscript collections. Collections of folk art and antique cameras in this display are just a small sample of the extraordinary artifacts in special collections.
If you know anything about cats you can guess that once they are out of the bag, they are not going back in. Likewise, these collections are too good not to share. Please feel free to share your favorite items from this exhibit, and if possible, come and see them in person during the Spring 2014 semester in special collections.