Rare Books

Holding several hundred thousand volumes of books and serials dating from the 13th century to the present, with formats ranging from scrolls to miniature books, our print collection is a significant resource for the study of the history of Western print culture. Our book collection complements and builds upon our other collecting strengths. We hold one of the world’s most significant research collections of printed material documenting the African American experience, and our other print collection highlights include contemporary literature and poetry, gay and lesbian pulp novels, and regional history.

We also collect the personal libraries of authors and artists whose papers we hold, including inscribed and annotated editions. Particular strengths include the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, books printed in the American South, Belgian imprints, French Revolution pamphlets, Victorian yellowbacks, modern British and American literature, artists’ books, travel guides, and fine literary first editions.

To locate an individual book title please search Library Search and limit to the Rose Library.