Our rare book collection spans from medieval manuscript volumes to fine press books from the 20th century, and diverse topics from science and technology to culture and literature. A variety of materials are represented including a cuneiform tablet, fragments of papyri, medieval manuscripts, and incunabula and books from such early printing houses as Aldus Manutius, Elzevier and Plantin. Two fine examples of a manuscript and an early printed book are an illuminated Book of Hours and the Nuremberg Chronicle. Medieval music manuscripts and early printed works such as Musica Transalpina, L’Art du Facteur d’Orgues, Histoire de la Notation Musicale, and Orpheus Britannicus are also represented in our collections. Books from private and fine press publishers such as Strawberry Hill, Kelmscott, Doves, Roycrofters, Nonesuch, Hogarth, Cuala, Black Sun and Bits are also to be found in the collection.
Collections of local interest include first editions by Hart Crane, black writers Charles Chesnutt, and Langston Hughes, as well as over 80% of the original library of Western Reserve College dating from the mid-19th century. Subject strengths of our rare book collection include the history of science and technology (including books donated by Thomas F. Peterson, Jr.), Renaissance humanism, wine and gastronomy, religion and theology, English and German literature, housing and urban development, and books about books.
Make a request to use Special Collections materials by appointment or make a photoduplication request through an Aeon account.
View digitized rare books from Kelvin Smith Library's Special Collections in Digital Case.
Search Rare Books in the library's catalog.
Learn about necessary care and handling of Special Collections materials.
Introduce special collections, archives, primary sources, and their handling and use with modules available through KSL’s Instruction Hub. Contact us to schedule a class session incorporating our unique collections.
Reading room appointments are required to use special collections materials to ensure adequate time for retrieval and availability of the reading room. All are welcome to make appointments using Aeon, our online materials request system. Appointments to use Special Collections materials are available Monday - Friday 10am -12 noon and 1:00 - 4:30pm. All patrons must abide by Special Collections Policies.
We can be reached by phone at 216-368-0189 and by email kslspecialcollections@case.edu.
Current exhibit: Audubon's Birds of America
In 1936, Elizabeth Bingham Blossom generously donated a selection of exquisite plates from John James Audubon's renowned Birds of America as a Christmas gift to the University. Birds of America is a landmark work in ornithological illustration, first published between 1827 and 1838.
Selections include the Eider Duck, the Goosander, the King Duck, and the Great White Heron. On view now to October.