Since 1948, the Detroit Public Library Rare Book Collection has acquired and preserved rare materials such as first editions, fine bindings, illuminated manuscripts, and incunabula.
Information on autographs, book collecting, the history of printing, bookplates, book values, calligraphy, conservation and preservation can be found in the collection.
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) Collection
Clara Clemens donation from her father's estate to the Detroit Public Library which includes the original manuscript of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer among the Indians.
Kate Greenaway Collection
Includes children's picture books, original art work, first editions and manuscripts along with illustrations by her compatriots, Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Collection
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of children's books about pioneer life in the United States, presented pictures and drawings as well as the manuscripts for The Long Winter and These Happy Golden Years to the Detroit Public Library. These, along with her many published books, are now available for research.
Resources
- Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America [3]
- Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies [4]
- International League of Antiquarian Booksellers [5]
- The Manuscript Society [6]
- Rare Book Terminology [7]
- Your Old Books [8]
Donations to Special Collections [9]
Contact Information
Burton Historical Collection
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 481-1401
bhc@detroitpubliclibrary.org [10]