Occult Bookplates: This project explores the history and significance of bookplates as tools for identifying provenance, with a focus on occult texts from the Victorian occult revival through the twentieth century. By examining bookplates associated with figures such as W. B. Yeats, Austin Osman Spare, Aleister Crowley, Kenneth Grant, and Kenneth Anger, this study demonstrates how these small printed objects add layers of historical, cultural, and spiritual meaning to rare books. Occult bookplates function not only as markers of ownership, but as symbolic extensions of their owners’ beliefs, artistic practices, and magical identities. Through case studies and historical context, this project highlights how bookplates preserve the networks of collectors, artists, and occult communities, offering valuable insight into the circulation and survival of esoteric knowledge.

Jessica Robledo: “I am in my final semester of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, with a focus on archives, special collections, and rare books. My academic work has emphasized the ethical stewardship of historical and specialized materials, with particular attention to thoughtful description and meaningful access. Prior to pursuing my MLIS, I spent over a decade working in new and used bookstores, where assessing and handling books daily sparked my interest in preservation and the life of books beyond the shelf. That experience continues to shape my approach to librarianship and archival work. As I prepare to graduate, I am excited to bring my background and training into archival or special library settings.”