Rare Books & Special Collections in Manchester Central Library
Introduction Central Library is a treasure chest of exceptional rare books and fascinating special collections. We are very proud custodians of these treasures, and we’re passionate about sharing them with our customers, whether they are Manchester born and bred or visitors to our city. This leaflet describes some of our treasures and explains how you can enjoy them and find out more about them.
Rare and Early Printed Books Amongst our earliest items are: 30 incunabula (books printed before 1501), including a copy of the famous Nuremberg Chronicles. 16th and 17th century books, covering a range of subjects, from bibles to herbals. We have a copy of Vesalius’s anatomy, De Humani Corporis Fabrica, from 1555 and a 1632 Shakespeare Second Folio. Early copies of ground-breaking books in science, medicine, politics and philosophy, including works by Isaac Newton, Robert Hooke, John Evelyn and Thomas Hobbes. Important natural history books from the 17th and 18th centuries, with stunning images of birds, animals, insects and flowers. These include Elizabeth Blackwell’s herbal, James Bolton’s Harmonia Naturalis and William Curtis’s Flora Londinensis.
www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries
Rare Books and Special Collections in Manchester Central Library Fine, illustrated books on art, costume and architecture, including Pyne’s Costumes of England, Stuart & Revett’s Antiquities of Athens and Owen Jones’ Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Alhambra. There are also books which use early photographic images, including Fenton’s photographs of the Crimea. An extensive collection of beautifully produced, limited edition books from almost all the British private presses, including Strawberry Hill, Kelmscott, Doves and Golden Cockerel.
Special Collections The Special Collections include some very unusual subjects - the unique Manchester Theatre Collection, a Shorthand Collection dating back to the 17th century and an outstanding collection of Tracts described as “a major source for the study of British social and economic history”. Some collections, such as the Bellot Chinese Collection, are named after their original owners, others relate to a particular author, such as Gaskell or Coleridge. The most famous collection donated to Central Library became the Henry Watson Music Library, based upon the 16,700 items donated by Dr Watson in 1902.
Periodicals Central Library holds long runs of many famous periodicals, including Blackwood’s Magazine from 1817; The London Gazette from 1665 and Curtis’s Botanical Magazine from 1787. We also have a huge range of 19th century titles, some of which, like The Yellow Book or The Savoy, ran for only a few issues.
How to find out more You can find full details of our periodical holdings and brief descriptions of our Special Collections on the website at www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries . Most of our rare books are not yet listed on the online catalogue. If you aren’t able to visit the library to check our card or printed catalogues, contact staff in the appropriate subject area for more help, or see over for further information.
Visiting Central Library to look at items from our Rare Book and Special Collections You don’t usually need to make an appointment to see items from these collections, but it is a good idea to phone, write or email in advance. You will also need to provide proof of your identity, including your address, and fill in a short form giving details of what you want to see.
Photography and Photocopying You are welcome to take digital photographs for personal use, but we do make a small charge for this. We can also provide prints or digital images for you: please check the library website or speak to our staff.
www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries
Rare Books and Special Collections in Manchester Central Library Further Information Contact Patti Collins
Manchester Central Library St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD Tel: 0161 234 1996 Email: p.collins@manchester.gov.uk We welcome enquiries from individuals, schools, colleges and other organisations.
Central Library Opening Hours Monday-Thursday
9.00-8.00
Friday and Saturday 9.00-5.00
Look out for events in Full Volume, our monthly what’s on guide, and on the website
www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries
Rare Books & Special Collections in Manchester Central Library Programme 2009 February/March
April/May
Full Steam Ahead! Early railways
Handel: an anniversary celebration
June/July
August/September
The Lakes: poets, painters and fell-walkers
Land of the Pharaohs: imagining Egypt
October/November
December/January
Voyages: from the Bounty to the Beagle
A Christmas Celebration