Historical Book Arts Collection

The Special Collections Division is the Libraries' main repository for material on the art and history of the book which includes examples of printing, type design and founding, illustration, handmade paper, and historic book bindings as well as modern artists' books. The Historical Book Arts Database is primarily a teaching tool. It features a sampling of materials held in the Special Collections Division focusing on the history of the book and medieval manuscripts from the 11th to the 19th century. The digital collection is comprised of images of binding, printing, papermaking and illustration examples and techniques. Also included are examples from our medieval manuscript collection, 11th to the 14th century. A database of examples of modern artists' books is in process.