Manuscripts and Incunabula in PSU Special Collections

Within each gallery entry are links to library catalog records and, where available, links to more information about the objects in Medieval Portland, a repository of student research on antiquarian collections and early modern architectural styles found in the Portland area.

Portland State University Library began collecting rare books with the opening of the Special Collections reading room in 1968. Librarian Janet Wright and Professor Emeritus of English Christine Rose originated the library's manuscript and incunabula collection in the 1980s with the Rose-Wright Collection, which now contains 23 examples of medieval and early Renaissance manuscripts and printing. Special Collections aims to provide students and the PSU community access to its rare and antiquarian bibliographic artifacts, and to encourage hands-on research.

The Rose-Wright collection and a significant portion of the manuscript and early printed collection at PSU consists of leaves which have been separated from their original volumes. Biblioclasty is a controversial practice which nonetheless has the benefit of making rare artifacts affordable and accessible to a wider audience. Although individual leaves have considerable research value, Portland State University Library does not condone the unnecessary separation of leaves from any rare book or manuscript.

PSU Special Collections continues to collect medieval and early modern manuscripts, incunabula, and printed works, in consultation with faculty and students and with support in part from generous gifts and donations. The Library is especially grateful to PSU alumnus A. Gordon Hunter, whose endowed gift provides funding for Special Collections acquisitions.

For more information or to make a research appointment, please contact Special Collections by email: specialcollections@pdx.edu.