Special Collections and University Archives in Hornbake Library is home to a wide array rare and unique literary collections. From personal papers of authors and poets to early printed works, our collections cross a variety of subjects and time periods in the literary world.
Archival Collections
Below are some highlights from our archival literary collections in Hornbake Library:
- Katherine Anne Porter papers
- Personal papers of American author Katheriane Anne Porter (1890-1980), best known for her short stories and novel Ship of Fools (1962).
- Djuna Barnes papers
- Personal papers of avant-garde American writer and artist Djuna Barnes (1892-1982), best known for her novel Nightwood (1936).
- Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven papers
- Personal papers of avant-garde artist and poet Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven (1874-1927). She is associated with Djuna Barnes and the Dada movement.
- Ernest Hemingway collection
- A large portion of the collection consists of serials that include stories and nonfiction written by and about Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961). It also includes some original correspondence to and from Hemingway. In addition, there are manuscripts and proofs of Hemingway’s work and biographies of Hemingway.
- Literary First Appearances
- Periodicals containing the “first appearance,” or first public dissemination, of many noteworthy 20th century literary works.
- French Pamphlet Collection
- Approximately 12,000 pieces dating from 1620 to 1966, covering many key episodes in the history of France. The largest part of the collection is made up of 7000 pamphlets from the Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras, 1788-1815.
- African American Pamphlet Collection
- 20th century materials on African, African-American, and Caribbean culture and literature. The collection spans the years 1905-1979, although the majority of the pamphlets date from the 1960s and 1970s.
Subject Guides
Rare Book Collections
Our rare book collections contain books printed from the 16th century to modern times. Most are searchable in the online catalog. Below are some highlights from the collection:
- German Expressionism collection
- Contains serials and books that reflect German Expressionism, a culural, literary, and artistic movement that began in Germany prior to the First World War.
- William Morris collection
- Works by 19th century British author, socialist, designer and founder of the Kelmscott Press, William Morris (1834-1896).
- Eikon Basilike
- Guide to the Eikon Basilike and related materials held by Special Collections and University Archives
Want to learn more? Explore our literary special collections online or visit the Maryland Room to speak to a librarian. You can also contact us via email.
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Recently, Special Collections and University Archives acquired several beautiful examples of early 20th century fine printing. Among them is Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queen, printed in by The Ashendene Press in 1923.
