Selected Special Collections

John Davis Batchelder Collection

Books manuscripts, and other materials

During years of foreign study and travel, John Davis Batchelder, (1872-1958) collected books, manuscripts, bindings, prints, maps, and coins which he felt illustrated the history of Western culture. His collection, given to the Library in 1936, is housed for the most part in the Rare Book and Specials Collections Division, The 1,499 volumes include children's books, early America publications, incunabula, and such significant literary works as the 1599 quarto edition of Shakespeares' Romeo and Juliet and the first folio edition of his plays (1623). Many book and nonbook items were acquired because of their connection with famous people.

Digitized Materials From the John Davis Batchelder Collection

Inauguration Ball, March 4th 1881: [programme]. 1881. Page Turner - PDF - Bibliographic Information

Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States. Part I. Philadelphia: Printed by Styner and Cist, in Second-street, 1774.
Page Turner - PDF (76.99 MB) - Bibliographic Information

[Charles Dickens’s traveling kit]. [186-?]
Page Turner - PDF (192.68 KB) Bibliographic Information