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. 

Relevant Research Guides

Archival Collections at the Clark Library

English and American Literature at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

Gender Studies at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library