Overview

The Loyola Rare Book Collection serves as an educational resource for the Loyola community and beyond by providing unique rare books in the areas of religion, philosophy, literature, history, geography, drama, the sciences, political science, law, education, and other areas. The collections currently holds approximately 21,000 volumes with over 15 languages represented.

Collection Strengths

The Rare Book Collection includes strenghts in the areas of Jesuitica; American History to 1900; British History to 1900; Christianity, with an emphasis on Roman Catholicism; Philosophy, with an emphasis on Western Philosophy; Drama, especially English drama from 1600 to 1820; English Literature, especially 19th century; American Literature; history of Medicine; history of the Book; and Victorian travel logs. 

Languages

Languages represented in the collection include Latin, English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Dutch, Polish, Native American languages, Gaelic, Hebrew, and Arabic, among others.

Priority Collecting Areas

Jesuitica - works by or about Jesuits published prior to 1830, especially anti-Jesuit literature

American History, especially American Revolution

British History

American literature, especially women authors, authors of Color, and Indigenous authors

British Literature, especially women authors, authors of Color, 19th century travel logs

History of Medicine

History of the Book, especially 19th, 20th, and 21st century and history of publishing

Caricatures/Satire/Humor, especially works by, about, or illustrated by George Cruikshank, Robert Cruikshank, John Leech, Phiz, and other notable illustrators