1893 Shepp’s World’s Fair Photographed Parts 2 & 5 Columbian Exposition Booklet For Sale

Antique 1893 “Shepp’s World’s Fair Photographed” — Parts 2 & 5, Original Softcover Booklets

Up for sale are two original 1893 souvenir photograph booklets from the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago — “Shepp’s World’s Fair Photographed,” Parts 2 and 5, each originally sold for 25 cents at the fair itself. These are two individual issues from a larger multi-part souvenir series, each covering different exhibit halls and pavilions of the fairgrounds. Copyrighted by D.B. Shepp in 1893 and printed by the Alfred M. Slocum Co. of Philadelphia, both booklets are packed with genuine period photogravure images of the fairgrounds, architecture, and international pavilions.

What’s inside:

• Detailed photographic plates of the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building — West Entrance, Southwest Corner, interior elevator shots, and the soaring iron-and-glass roof structure

• International exhibit pavilions including France (drapery hall, ex

Condition: Well-preserved for their age — covers show wear, toning, and some small tears/creasing at the spine and corners (see photos), with all interior plates present and legible. A small strip of what appears to be old tape is present on Part 2’s cover.

Historical significance: The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 was one of the most influential events in American cultural history — introducing large-scale electric lighting, the original Ferris Wheel, and the neoclassical “White City” urban design ideal. These souvenir booklets are original period ephemera, not reproductions, documenting one of the most photographed events of the 19th century.

Great for collectors of World’s Fair memorabilia, Chicago history, 19th-century photography/photogravure, architectural history, or anyone building a Gilded Age ephemera collection. Sold together as two individual issues — buyers building a complete Shepp’s series will find these solid additions even though they aren’t consecutive numbers.