rare books department

Single leaf from a 15th-century book of hours : in Latin

Public domain reproduction of illuminated book page, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Floral decoration - watercolors fore edge painting

Information from book record: Fore-edge painting of roses. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Order to Col. Nathaniel Saltonstall, 1696 July 30

To attend the governor to meet the officers of Col. Gedney's regiment, Boston Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Document of indenture: Servant: Dean, John. Master: Williams, Joseph: ...

William Hamilton - Shakspeare. Much ado about nothing, act IV, scene I

Public domain reproduction of art print, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Shakspeare. Macbeth, act 1, scene 3 : A heath : Macbeth, Banquo & thre...

Public domain scan of an art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Copy of letter from Amos Augustus Phelps, New York, to Rufus Anderson,...

A.A. Phelps writes to Rufus Anderson about the article Anderson published in the Missionary Herald, entitled “Extract from a communication of Doct. Hall to the Maryland Colonization Society.” Supplying informat... More

Letter from John Quincy Adams Edgell, West Newbury, to Amos Augustus P...

John Quincy Adams Edgell and G. B. Penny write to the pastor of the Free Church of Boston regarding a meeting to be held in the Centre Church regarding the installation of J. A. Martyn as pastor of the Centre C... More

Edgar Allan Poe, New York, autograph letter signed to R. W. Griswold, ...

Returns corrected proof of "The Raven." Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from George Douglas Campbell Argyll, Argyll Lodge, Kensington, ...

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, the Duke of Argyll invites him, along with his son and daughter, to have breakfast at their house the following morning. The letter states that if the 10am breakfast is... More

Stokes, Richard L. (Richard Leroy), 1882-1957 typed letter signed to H...

German poster? Illustration - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

Sacco and Vanzetti with electric chair and gallows in background Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Rosa autograph note signed (postcard) to Tom O'Connor, July 28, 1927

Picryl description: Public domain historical photo of the address side of postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Biblia pauperum incunabula

An illustrated "pauper's Bible" printed from wood blocks produced in the Netherlands ca. 1465-1470 and associated with what Wilhelm Ludwig Schreiber identifies as Biblia Pauperum ed. VI. Each illustration is di... More

Blank postcard - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

Picryl description: Public domain historical photo of the address side of postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Letter from Joseph Lupton, Scarborough, Yorkshire, [England], to Samue...

Lupton says that he has shipped two boxes of contributions from Leeds for the anti-slavery fair. He gives a brief account of the contents of the boxes and speaks particularly of a screen. Lupton also informs Ma... More

Letter from Mary Anne Rawson, Sheffield, [England], to William Lloyd G...

Mary A. Rawson writes to William Lloyd Garrison expressing her gratitude for Garrison's "great kindnes" in coming to visit her. Rawson discusses her "five large volumes of autographs and portraits" which includ... More

Frank R. Lopez (Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committee) typed letter signed ...

R. A. Gould (Brockton Printing Pressmen's and Assistants' Union, No. 1...

Picryl description: Public domain image of stamped postal envelope, free to use, no copyright restrictions

Mrs. Eugene V. Debs card note to Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti,...

Picryl description: Public domain historical photo of the address side of postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Letter from Thomas Hughes, Lincoln's Inn, 3 Old Square, London, to Wil...

Hughes writes Garrison to offer his congratuations & respects concerning Garrison's support of Abraham Lincoln's re-election, & denounces those within the American Abolition movement which have broken with Garr... More

Letter from Mary Anne Rawson, Sheffield, [England], to William Lloyd G...

Mary A. Rawson writes to William Lloyd Garrison expressing her gratitude for Garrison's "great kindnes" in coming to visit her. Rawson discusses her "five large volumes of autographs and portraits" which includ... More

Sacco & Vanzetti Live! 2 - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Letter from Mary Anne Rawson, Sheffield, [England], to William Lloyd G...

Mary A. Rawson writes to William Lloyd Garrison expressing her gratitude for Garrison's "great kindnes" in coming to visit her. Rawson discusses her "five large volumes of autographs and portraits" which includ... More

Thys prymer of Salisburye use is sett owght along wythowght ony serchy...

Horae beatissime Uirginis Marie secu[n]dum usum Sarum | Salysburye prymer | Salisbury primer Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica

This is the first edition of Newton's Principia, in which he elucidates the universal laws of gravitation and motion that underlay the phenomena described by Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler. Newton also establis... More

Cutting from a 13th-century antiphonal : in Latin

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, Latin, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Document of indenture: Servant: Foster, Timothy. Master: Baldwin, Davi...

Lambeth Palace and St. Mary’s Church - watercolors fore edge painting

Information from accompanying cards: A fore-edge painting of Lambeth Palace and St. Mary’s Church with Westminster Bridge appearing in the left background, is visible beneath the gilt of the fore-edge. An excep... More

Letter from Henry Egbert Benson, Providence, [Rhode Island], to Willia...

In this letter to William Lloyd Garrison, Henry Egbert Benson reports to Garrison that some new subscribers have not yet received their first copies of the Liberator and sends him money for another new subscrib... More

Letter from George William Benson, Providence, [Rhode Island], to Will...

George William Benson writes to William Lloyd Garrison informing him that he has "nothing new to communicate respecting the Canterbury affair" but he plans to travel there with Rev. Thomas Williams later in the... More

Letter from Arthur Tappan, [New York], to George Thompson, 1835 August...

Arthur Tappan sends George Thompson a ship order which states, "Shipped, In good order and well conditioned, by Judge Lynch, on board the Ship called the Incendiary whereof Arthur Tappan is master, for the pres... More

Portrait of Walton ; View of Angler's Inn, Hoddesdon

Information from accompanying cards: A very interesting example of a double fore edge painting. One painting shows a portrait of Walton and a view of Angler’s Inn, Hoddesdon, framed within a border of fishing r... More

Letter from George Allen, Shrewsbury, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Mar. 31...

George Allen writes to Amos. A. Phelps about the necessity of a new anti-slavery paper in Boston. He praises Dr. Porter ([the editor of New England Spectator]) for his work, but says the Spectator has “done its... More

Thomas Holley Chivers, New York, autograph letter signed to Edgar Alla...

Inquires whether Poe received his poem, "The Mighty Dead. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, New York, autograph letter to Jane Ermina Locke, 10 M...

Explains his reply to [Nathaniel P. ] Willis's editorial on him in the Home Journal [26 December 1846?]. His delay in writing was caused by a "sorrow so poignant" [Virginia Poe died 30 January 1847]. Courtesy o... More

George Lippard, Philadelphia, autograph letter signed to R. W. Griswol...

Is unable to find a missing valise of Poe. Mentions Philadelphians who contributed to Poe's support the previous summer. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, [Richmond, VA.?]., autograph letter to Mrs. Maria Cle...

Describes the enthusiastic reception of his lecture [in Richmond]. Plans for leaving Fordham. Mentions Annie [Richmond]. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

J.A. Alston, Aiken, S.C., autograph note signed to Ziba B. Oakes, 8 Oc...

Asks due date of note. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Wylly & Montmollin, Savannah, Ga., manuscript letter signed to Ziba B....

Asks for Francis Nipson be given money by Oakes for purchase of Negroes when necessary. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Wylly & Montmollin, Savannah, Ga., manuscript letter signed to Ziba B....

Proposed sale of Savannah city bonds. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Francis John Higginson, Brattleboro, to Thomas Wentworth H...

Discusses legal matters relevant to the recipient’s arrest and upcoming trial, and sends supports. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Roosevelt, Theodore, Pres. U.S., 1858-1919 typed letter signed to Hugo...

Arnold Petersen (Socialist Labor Party, Office of the National Executi...

Single leaf from a 14th-century antiphonal : in Latin

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, Latin, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from Lydia White, Philad[elphi]a, [Pennsylvania], to William Ll...

Lydia White writes to William Lloyd Garrison sharing her desire to assist in "the support and circulation of the Liberator" and sending Garrison the names of four new subscribers, promising to "cheerfully embra... More

Letter from William Wood, Manchester, Eng[land], to Amos Augustus Phel...

William Wood writes to Amos A. Phelps regarding notes concerning a Mrs. Elaw, a "a female of color..has lately arrived here from Nantucket having a strong..duty to preach the Gospel in England! She says she is ... More

Letter from Nathan Prince to an unknown recipient

Portion of a letter from Nathan Prince detailing the writer's controversy with the overseers of the college, and his expulsion therefrom, (wihout date, address, or signature). Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Document of indenture: Servant: Osborn, Joseph. Master: Bacon, Edward ...

Document of indenture: Servant: Franks, Mary. Master: Howe, David. Tow...

D. H. Brauns autograph letter signed to Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committ...

Report of donations for Garrison's Mission to England from Francis Jac...

Francis Jackson wrote this ledger to track the donations and withdrawals of funds for William Lloyd Garrison's trip to England in 1846. The first page details withdrawals made by Garrison, including for his pas... More

George Lippard, Philadelphia, autograph letter signed to R. W. Griswol...

Is unable to find a missing valise of Poe. Mentions Philadelphians who contributed to Poe's support the previous summer. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Document of indenture: Servant: Ruddocks, Elizabeth. Master: Denny [De...

Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies : published...

Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies | First folio Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Register des Buchs der Croniken vnd Geschichten : mit Figure[n] vnd Pi...

This, the first German edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, details the history of the world through the year of its publication, in 1493, along with a final section describing the anticipated last days. The tex... More

Registrum huius operis Libri cronicarum cu[m] figuris et ÿmagi[ni]bus...

This, the first edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, details the history of the world through the year of its publication, in 1493, along with a final section describing the anticipated last days. The text was c... More

Recipe book : including formulas for medicines and dyes : manuscript

A single manuscript book containing 70 pages of recipes and culinary instructions and 16 pages of formulas for dyes, medicines, and various cures. The manuscript is divided into two sections, the longer of whic... More

Register des Buchs der Croniken vnd Geschichten : mit Figure[n] vnd Pi...

This, the first German edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, details the history of the world through the year of its publication, in 1493, along with a final section describing the anticipated last days. The tex... More

Registrum huius operis Libri cronicarum cu[m] figuris et ÿmagi[ni]bus...

This, the first edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, details the history of the world through the year of its publication, in 1493, along with a final section describing the anticipated last days. The text was c... More

King Henry VIII, act I, scene IV : York Place : Cardinal Wolsey, Lord ...

Public domain reproduction of art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

People playing chess

Information from book record: Has a three-panel fore-edge painting of gentlemen at a game of chess. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Shakspeare. Romeo and Juliet, act V, scene III

Public domain scan of 18th-century drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Venice, Venice, Italy, fore edge painting

Information from accompanying cards: With a superb painting on the fore-edge depicting a scene of Venice. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Notes by Samuel May, [18--]

May's apparent draft of a eulogy for Charles Calistus Burleigh is written on the inside of two opened envelopes. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Hunters shooting pheasant - watercolors fore edge painting

Information from accompanying cards: With a fore-edge painting displaying hunters shooting pheasant. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, New-York, autograph note signed to R. W. Griswold, 26...

Requests loan of fifty dollars to help finance the Broadway Journal, which he now controls. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Edwin M. Gilbert, Columbia, to Amos Augustus Phelps, Decem...

In his letter to Amos A. Phelps, Edwin M. Gilbert expresses his approval of Phelps’s choice of profession in ministry. He relates some news around Lebanon, Conn. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from John Rand, Milton, [Massachusetts], to Samuel May, 1850 Fe...

John Rand writes to Samuel May describing the visit of Lucy Stone to Milford and a lecture she delivered in the town. Rand reports that Stone "found with us a cordial welcome" and was introduced to the meeting ... More

Your Scholar (Emily Dickinson), Amherst, Mass., autograph letter signe...

Describing herself. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Elaine Goodale Eastman signed autograph note, Mount Washington, Mass.,...

Christmas card with poem titled "Christmas Carol" written on it. Old folder #: same. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Showing dent, file markings & flow back - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

The Fraher shell W. found a scene of murder. Prosecution claimed it was fired in Sacco's pistol. #1-2-3 are test shells fired in Sacco's pistol during trial. Sacco's gun's firing five strikes 23% off center of ... More

Ex. F. Burn's Lowell test bullets - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

Photographs show the single short deep wide cut on a land upon the mortal bullet. The 12 test bullets fired thru Sacco's pistol show two cuts upon a different land. During trial prosecution called to the jury's... More

Frank Lopez telegram (copy) to P. Esteve, Boston, Mass., April 4, 1923

Public domain scan of a telegram, telegraph correspondence, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

Elaine Goodale Eastman signed autograph note, Mount Washington, Mass.,...

Christmas card with poem titled "Christmas Carol" written on it. Old folder #: same. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Charles Marriott, Hudson, N[ew] Y[ork], to William Lloyd G...

Charles Marriott writes to William Lloyd Garrison sending him ten dollars to pay for a number of Liberator subscriptions. He then comments on recent events like the Clerical Appeal as causing him "sadness & som... More

Edgar Allan Poe, Philadelphia, PA., letter signed to John P. Kennedy, ...

Describes the establishment of Graham's Magazine and suggests an "agreement" with Kennedy. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, Philadelphia, PA., autograph letter signed to Frederi...

Describes his trip home from Washington. Expresses gratitude to Thomas and Dow. Messages to Dr. Lacey, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Tyler. Subscriptions to his magazine increasing. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

John Greenleaf Whittier, Amesbury, MA., manuscript article, 1 October:...

For the National Era. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society expense account of A. A. Phelps for...

An itemized expense account, with the receipt signed by A.A. Phelps on April 10 1838, and three additional receipts: (1) for payment made by "New England Anti-Slavery Society" to “Dutton & Wentworth, Dr.” for a... More

Letter from Mary Anne Rawson, Sheffield, [England], to William Lloyd G...

Mary Anne Rawson writes William Lloyd Garrison a few words concerning their recently-deceased mutual friend, George Thompson. Rawson states that despite her sense that "this poor earth seems the poorer" in Thom... More

Breviarium romanum, Venetian incunabula

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, Latin, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Breviarium romanum, Venetian incunabula

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, Latin, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Circular world map

The circular world map that appeared in the 1475 Latin edition of ''Rudimentum Novitorium'' and its subsequent French translations is considered the first printed map of the world. Drawn in the tradition of Med... More

Shakspeare. King Henry the Fifth, act II, scene II : Southampton : The...

Public domain scan - 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Dublin, edge painting

Information from accompanying cards: With a fore-edge painting showing a fine view of Dublin. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, Philadelphia, PA., autograph letter signed to Frederi...

Describes his trip home from Washington. Expresses gratitude to Thomas and Dow. Messages to Dr. Lacey, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Tyler. Subscriptions to his magazine increasing. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, Philadelphia, PA., autograph letter signed to Frederi...

Sends a copy of Saturday Museum [of 25 February 1843] containing biography and caricature of himself. Announces founding of the Stylus and his plans for it. Wants to secure contributions from Thomas, Robert Tyl... More

Incomplete letter from C. G. Olds, Hampton, N.H., to Lydia Maria Child...

Celia Thaxter autograph letter signed to Annie Fields, Appledore, Isle...

Expects to be moored there while Mr. Thaxter and the younger boys are tramping in Florida. Praises the "Bee and Rose"; asks who wrote "Sea-Gulls" in the November Atlantic. Verso: Note in Mrs. Fields' hand assig... More

Hamilton's microscope - Sacco & Vanzetti collection

Hamilton's microscope outfit with which he made most of his discoveries upon the prosecution's exhibits, discoveries that positively prove that Sacco's gun and Vanzetti's revolver had nothing to do with the mur... More

Edna St. Vincent Millay typed letter (copy) to [Alvan T. Fuller], Bost...

Single leaf from a 14th-century antiphonal : in Latin

[recto] .. petebat ut sibi .. / R. Hic est sacer antistes ze/[verso]no .. / & fulserunt in mundum mi[racula] .. Office of St. Zeno (12 April) Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Edgar Allan Poe, Philadelphia, PA., autograph letter signed to Frederi...

Sends a copy of Saturday Museum [of 25 February 1843] containing biography and caricature of himself. Announces founding of the Stylus and his plans for it. Wants to secure contributions from Thomas, Robert Tyl... More

Lydia Howard (Huntley) Sigourney, Hartford, CT., autograph letter sign...

Regrets that her poem "The Stockbridge Bowl" was printed in [the October 1844 issue of] Graham's Magazine without her knowledge - in its stead she will supply another. Praises engraving of Mrs. [Ann Sophia] Ste... More

Charles Fenno Hoffman autograph letter signed to R. W. Griswold, [1845...

Encloses some ballads by Seba Smith and some poems of his own for his new edition [of The Vigil of Faith?]. Courtesy of Boston Public Library