The Clark Library’s extensive collection of early modern English drama includes all four folio editions of Shakespeare’s plays, 18 quarto editions of Shakespeare’s plays printed before 1640, and 215 additional playbooks printed before 1660 (including dozens from the library of actor John Philip Kemble). The Paul Chrzanowski Collection of Shakespeareana expands on this strength. The Chrzanowski Collection of printed books and manuscripts is particularly strong in early 16th-century literature, chronicle histories, and religious works, including works by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and English translations of Continental literature. 

The Library also holds several dozen incunabula (books printed before 1501), including some in the Chrzanowski Collection. Print and manuscript collections in this period include not only religious, legal, and philosophical works but also works on popular culture, science, history, literature, art, and commerce. 

SEARCHING THE CATALOG 

To find Early Modern items, go to UCLA’s catalog. To limit by date, click on “Advanced Search,” next to the general search box. Once you have search results, you can limit to the Clark Library by selecting it from the Locations facet on the left-hand side.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

Early Modern English Manuscripts – digitized from the Clark’s collections

Early Modern Annotated Books – digitized from the Clark’s collections

See our Collection Development Policy for more information!