DATE: 19th - 20th centuries
CREATOR: various
SCOPE: The collection focuses on nineteenth and twentieth century illustrated texts, works of selected English and American private presses as acquired by the Library when issued, and increasingly on works from private printers which deal with collection strengths-the American West, river and railroad subject matter. A particularly strong aspect is the presence of hundreds of volumes of publishers' pictorial trade bindings from 1880-1925. Local presses are included as a special focus.
EXTENT: Ca. 1000 volumes, shorter keepsakes, and broadsides.
HISTORY: The Mercantile Library has built a small teaching and study collection of exemplary works of fine printing, either acquired in recent years for this purpose, or selected from the general stacks in order to create this collection and to illustrate the history of printing and book illustration.
ACCESS: This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material in Special Collection M-125 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. For collections marked limited access, researchers are advised to contact the library at least three business days in advance of their visit to submit a request to view the physical material.
Special collection M-125 is partially catalogued, and a special file exists on site.
Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
Preferred Citation: When citing the material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
