Special Collections. Purdue University Special Collections

Scope and Contents The collection consists of the script is for "The Comedy of the Dead" (La Comedia de los Muertos), written by José Cid Pérez and transcribed into English by John P. Dyson.  There is an inscription inside the front cover from Perez to Professor Robert Lowe.

Abstract The Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection contains leaves from Breviaries, Books of Hours, Antiphonaries, Bibles, an Anthology of Persian Poetry, Byzantine Music Notation, and a papyrus fragment.  The collection demonstrates a variety of medieval texts and artistic styles.  This particular collection is an excellent teaching tool for many classes in the humanities.

Scope and Contents The Indiana Authors Letter Collection contains letters from some of the state's most successful authors. The collection encompasses the "Golden Age of Indiana Literature," a time period in which Hoosier authors achieved both national prominence and popular acclaim.

Scope and Contents The Marcia L. Barrows diary is a 2.5" x 4" leather bound diary with entries written by Marcia Barrows from January 1 to July 21, 1865. It contains information on social life in Indianapolis, a travel log from Indianapolis to Augusta, Maine, a list of books read, and items purchased and their costs.

The diary contains gaps between entries from April 19 to May 7, May 10 to June 10, and June 19 to July 9.

Scope and Contents Frederick Billerbeck's files on the Limited Editions Club. Files include issues of Monthly Letters of the Limited Editions Club published between 1944 and 1989, annual prospectuses (yearly catalogs of books offered), and other communications from the LEC including holiday greetings and signed plates from artists.

Abstract Illuminated manuscript [Book of Hours] on vellum, in Latin and French. Most likely created in northern France (Paris), circa 1470. This diminutive Book of Hours comprises: a Calendar (fol. 1r); Gospel Readings (fol. 13r); Obsecro te (fol. 18r); O intemerata with the title "Orison devote a la vierge me" (fol. 22r); the Hours of the Virgin, with Matins (fol. 25r), Lauds (fol. 34v), Prime (fol. 44v), Terce (fol. 49v), Sext (fol. 53v), Nones (fol. 57v), Vespers (fol. 61v) and Compline (fol. 69v);...

Scope and Contents The Collection of Midwestern Maps (1825-1925; 7 linear feet) documents roads, counties, and geography of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois. It features several pocket maps, including one attached to the inside cover of a small travel booklet. Some maps note territory status of current states, such as Michigan. Not all counties are represented on all maps. One map is written in French.

Scope and Contents The Collection of Virginia Poullard Dupalais Twigg, Lucy Way Sistare Say, and Charles Alexandre Lesueur Works of Art (circa 1800-1846; 43 items) contains twenty-six pencil, pastel, charcoal and watercolor sketches on paper by Charles Lesueur and seventeen pencil and watercolor sketches attributed to Virginia Dupalais Twigg, Lesueur's niece and pupil who lived with him in New Harmony, or Lucy Sistare Say, a fellow artist teaching at New Harmony. Many of the sketches document life in New Harmony,...

Scope and Contents Illuminated manuscript on vellum, Gregory the Great, Homilies on Ezekiel, in Latin, North-Eastern Germany, Huysburg Abbey, near Halberstadt, 1466. This is one of the key texts of Western monasticism. Manuscript is in a later (19th century) leather binding by W. Pratt, tooled with floral panels and chevrons. The manuscript includes a range of codicological features such as glossing, parchment repair, a scribal colophon, decorated initials, an organized rubrication system, and clear pricking....

Scope and Contents The William Henry Harrison collection contains materials related to William Henry Harrison, his presidential campaign in 1840, and the Battle of Tippecanoe.  Materials include campaign songsheets, campaign ribbon, political document, newspaper clipping, and commemorative plate.

Scope and Contents The Heath Family Papers document the business dealings and transactions of one of Lafayette's early prominent families.