John OverholtMay 12
I had a sudden realization that a rare book I ordered in March from the UK had never arrived, and looked up the FedEx tracking number. Turns out it is out for delivery today after nearly a month in Memphis stuck in customs clearance limbo thanks to Trump chaos. (In the interim I have forgotten why I bought it so I look forward to discovering that all over again.)
Show threadJohn Overholt
Ah, now I remember--this is for an exhibition on books of trades we're planning for 2027. This is a satirical print about corruption in the trades depicted; according to the bookseller's description "the tailor keeps trimmings of fine cloth for himself, the weaver siphons off yarn and replaces it with its weight in glue and starch, the miller takes the best grain home with him, and the sergeant gets his way through artifice and flattery."
#NewAcq #NewAcquisition
May 14 at 3:52pmWeb
Show threadKate NyhanMay 14
@overholt
Wait, are you sure it doesn't say "the tailor, weaver, miller, and sergeant unleash prosperity through deregulation"?
Show threadEli the BeardedMay 14

@overholt

Millers skimming is an old and widespread stereotype. It is basically the pre-20th century "bartenders watering down the booze". I had not heard the weaver one before.