Rare Books
Our rare book collection spans centuries of written and visual communication, from cuneiform tablets to recently-produced artist’s books. These diverse materials are intended to enrich the learning experience in the study of varied topics, and are available for scholarly and educational use.
The collections’ primary strengths are in the areas of literature; the material culture of the book, including the history of the book and its development as a communicative tool, the history of printing, graphic design, and the book arts; and aspects of American and world history. Manuscripts of particular languages (Italian, French, Spanish, and others) are actively collected in support of the Classical and Modern Languages department.
Other materials in this collection include manuscripts; very old, or first or limited editions; valuable and/or scarce editions; books signed by the author, subject or other person involved with publication; former property of or associated with a famous person; and other rare and unusual items.
Recent Acquisitions – Artist’s Books
Austin, Alice. To The Ocean. Philadelphia: Alice Austin, 2018.
Coron, Beatrice. Papercut of the Galapagos. New York: Beatrice Coron, 2016.
Covell, Anne. Leavings. San Diego: Anne Covell, 2017.
Kermaire, Christine. Modo Indicativo. Charleroi, Belgium: Christine Kermaire, 2024.
Morrison, Lois. Geryon’s Country. Leonia, NJ: Lois Morrison, 2005.
Recent Acquisitions – Botanical Books
Agricola, Georg Andreas. Philosophical Treatise of Husbandry and Gardening: Being a New Method of Cultivating and Increasing All Sorts of Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers. London: Printed for P. Vaillant in the Strand, and W. Mears and F. Clay without Temple-Bar, MDCCXXI [1721].
Brookshaw, George. Groups of Flowers, Drawn and Accurately Coloured After Nature, with Full Instructions for the Young Artist. London: Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown …, and John Lepard …, by Augustus Applegath and Henry Mitton …, 1817.
Available Online
Our Book of Hours: Use of Rome is featured in an online exhibit which includes a digital version of the book.