UBC's Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) Library collects rare and historically significant manuscripts and published works, which are available for you to view and read. This guide provides an introduction to special collection resources relating to the history of the book available through RBSC, UBC Library, and on the web.
Photo credit: UBC Library
Image source: Catholic Church. Pope (1243-1254: Innocent IV). 1245. [Privilegium Innocentii IV pro monasterio S. Michaelis de Tridento]. Western Manuscript collection. UBC Library, Rare Books and Special Collections.
Image source: Catholic Church. [Between 1400-1600]. [Book of hours fragments]. Western Manuscripts Collection, UBC Library, Rare Books and Special Collections.
Image source: William Morris. 1896. The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer (The Kelmscott Chaucer). [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
If you want to continue your research beyond our collections, the links below will help guide you in finding other useful sources.
UBC Library Research Guides
Medieval Art and Architecture: Illuminated Manuscripts
Special Collections: English Literature
Historical Children's Literature
Related UBC Sites
Related Websites
History of the Book in Canada/Histoire du livre et de l'imprime au Canada
Centre for the History of the Book
History of the Book Resource Guide at the University of Maryland
Literary Resources -- Bibliography and History of the Book