Columbian Exposition collectors can rejoice over a new reference book that provides invaluable information about commemorative coins, medals, badges and ribbons, and other related souvenirs from the 1893 World’s Fair. The handsome volume Referencing Columbiana compiled by Steve A. Starlust belongs on any Columbian Exposition bookshelf.

The 305-page book, which bears the title World’s Columbian Exposition Chicago on the cover (there is no title page), builds upon and greatly expands Nathan N. Eglit’s seminal reference book, Columbiana; The Medallic History of Christopher Columbus and the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Privately published in 1965, Eglit’s reference book catalogs nearly 600 collector’s items. Mr. Starlust’s new volume contains several hundred additional entries with more than 1000 high-quality color images to assist collectors and dazzle the casual reader.

Positive reviews from numismatic outlets including COINage magazine and the Token and Medal Society recognize the value of this new reference book for collectors. Columbian Exposition enthusiasts who are not collectors also will delight in browsing through Referencing Columbiana. Opening to any page offers a history lesson on the Exposition’s builders and officials, exhibiting companies, special events, and monumental architecture. Coins depicting Chicago Day, the Electricity Building, the Columbus caravels, the Idaho State Building, and the Ferris Wheel invite readers on a journey back in time to when such souvenirs passed between hands in Jackson Park. The novelty in 1893 of inexpensive aluminum is apparent in the number of coins stamped with “ODORLESS, TASTELESS, MALLEABLE, DUCTILE.” Readers are reminded that the World’s Fair in Chicago was the greatest trade show of the era.

Three souvenir coind relating to Michigan at the 1893 World’s Fair are cataloged in Referencing Columbiana.

The joy of collecting is often an experience of branching out from some initial focus into new areas. While the emphasis of the reference work is on medal souvenirs, interspersed are a sampling of paper collectibles such as tickets, postcards, playing cards, programs, paper bank notes, stock certificates, etc. Their inclusion complements the main area, though the position of these descriptions in the book can seem somewhat random. The inclusion of a few other entries, such as a mantle clock with no obvious connection to the Fair or Columbus, are harder to justify. Still, the sheer diversity of items cataloged and carefully described offer a fascinating portrait of the great Fair.

To purchase the softcover “preview edition” ($65 ea., or $55 ea. for two or more) or reserve a copy of the second printing, contact stevestarlust@gmail.com or call (631) 374-4483.