About the Collection
The Jesuit Rare Book and Manuscript Collection, 1540-1800, contains selections of early printed books and manuscripts by and about the Jesuits from the rare book holdings of the Library’s Department of Archives & Special Collections. These works illuminate the religious and academic foundations of the Society of Jesus, their missionary work, and their intellectual and creative engagement with the Scientific Revolution. Items selected for digitization will include unique manuscripts and printed works designated as significant texts due to artifactual considerations such as provenance, annotations or contemporary bindings, in addition to their content.