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historical illustration featuring people on horseback including a man with a sword and a group of women carrying a banner reading "Ladies Almanack"

Literature and Rare Books

Collecting Area

Literature and Rare Book collections include material dating from the 15th century to the present day. Comprising both books and archival materials, these collections span multiple languages, with subjects encompassing the humanities. Collection strengths include literary modernism, fine press printing, and history of the book.

Digital Collections

Katherine Anne Porter sitting at a typewriter

KAP Correspondence Collection

Select correspondence written by American author Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980), documenting the author’s life and career.

item types: images of letters

Still from a video of an interview with Katherine Anne Porter.

Literature Collections (AV Content)

Audiovisual items from literary manuscripts collections.

item types: audiovisual recordings

Rare Book Collections

engraving and title for LEttres Patentes Du Roi

French Pamphlets

Pamphlets documenting significant events and periods in French history from the 17th century to the 19th century.

Title page for Como Luce La Lealtad a Vista de la Traicion

Spanish plays

Dramatic works written by some of Spain's most prominent playwrights, dating from the 17th century to the 19th century.

Other Resources 

These might also interest researchers looking at the University of Maryland collections.

spines of different editions of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

About Literature and Rare Books

Learn more about the Literature and Rare Books holdings in Special Collections at the University of Maryland.

Screenshot of guide for Early Modern Works in Special Collections

Research Guides

Explore content and topics represented in Literature and Rare Books collections in Special Collections.

Virtual Exhibitions

decorative print featuring a man standing outdoors near a well reading a pamphlet

How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris

Explores the life and vision of author, printer, activist, and inspirational firebrand William Morris (1834-1896). 

handwritten poetry from Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven

In Transition: Selected Poems by the Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven

Explores the poetry of Dadaist artist, performer, and poet Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven (1874-1927).

Typewritten letter on pink paper addressed to "Monroe darling"

Katherine Anne Porter: Correspondence from the Archives, 1912-1977

Explores the life and work of American author Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980) through her personal correspondence.

Section of the poster for 'Alice: 150 Years and Counting" featuring an illustration of Alice

Alice 150 Years and Counting… The Legacy of Lewis Carroll

Celebrates Lewis Carroll’s (1832-1898) life and works, showcasing how artists and illustrators have envisioned the Alice books over the years.

Book Jacket for an old edition of The Secret of the Old CLock featuring Nancy Drew carrying a clock

Girls' Series Books Rediscovered: Nancy Drew and Friends

Celebrates the enduring legacy of the Nancy Drew books and girls’ series literature.

handwritten notes on lined paper

Thom Gunn and "Misanthropos"

Explores Thom Gunn’s (1929-2004) ambitious poem "Misanthropos."

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