Collections

The Bentley Rare Book Museum is an important resource for teaching and researching the history of the book, with a focus on the English-speaking world. Our collection development policy allows us to build on our strengths and to add new voices to those already present on our shelves.

The Bentley Rare Book Museum has a collection of approximately 10,000 pieces illustrating the diversity of the written and printed word in the English-speaking world. These materials support the work of students, faculty, and researchers and are used in instruction sessions for Kennesaw State University classes as well as community groups. Enjoy a multi-media sampling of our collections through the History A'Bound' feature produced by the Office of Strategic Communications in partnership with the Bentley Rare Book Museum.

Collection strengths:

  • Medieval and early Renaissance manuscripts
  • Incunabula and early printed books
  • Biblical history
  • Shakespearean texts
  • Illustrations and prints
  • Culinary history
  • Science books and essays
  • Nineteenth- and twentieth-century British and American first editions
  • Harlem Renaissance literature
  • Children’s literature
  • Sports, recreation, and travel literature
  • Fine-press materials
  • Historic newspapers

Explore a small selection of our collections below, and contact us for information about other research areas.

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