Books and Periodicals

The more than eight hundred thousand volumes gathered at the Ransom Center make possible a study of the history of the printed book from its beginnings to the present day. Incunabular holdings (380 volumes and four hundred leaves) begin with the Gutenberg Bible of 1454-55. The Center's copy, on paper, is one of only five complete exemplars in the Western Hemisphere. From the seventeenth century on, the book and periodical collections provide scholars with first and other important editions across many fields of study. Particular strengths include the Pforzheimer Library of English Literature, early editions of Shakespeare (including three First Folios), seventeenth- and eighteenth-century English periodicals, eighteenth-century English books, the history of science, Victorian novels, little magazines, modern first editions, and the libraries of many important authors. Printed volumes in first and subsequent editions, as well as variants, translations, abridgements, adaptations, and reference works provide a basis for bibliographical and textual studies.

General Information
Book Holdings
Periodicals Holdings