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ENGL 413/MARS 420: The History of Books

From Beowulf to Shakespeare

Introduction

This guide is designed to provide information and resources for students taking the ENGL 413 / MARS 420 - The History of Books course at Purdue University. There is a focus on special collections and a list of medieval manuscripts and rare books that are available in the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections. Special attention is given to instruction on searching and accessing materials in our collection, as well as what to expect upon your first visit.  The information within this guide should aid students in this class in locating materials to inspire original topics for their research papers and future academic endeavors.

This guide was originally created by Kristin Leaman; revised and maintained by Sammie Morris.

Suffrage of Mary Magdalene from a Breviary, 1400 (France)

From the Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection, 30 B.C.E. - 18th Century.

From the Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection, 30 B.C.E. - 18th Century.