Ex Libris: The American Irish Historical Society (Illinois Chapter)
Third in a series highlighting the book collectors whose subject expertise, passion, and resources have contributed to DePaul’s Special Collections
In 1927, a collection of books and documents was transferred to DePaul University’s Library from the American Irish Historical Society Illinois Chapter. This small donation of less than 50 items peaked DePaul’s interest in Irish Studies which eventually resulted in the Irish Studies Minor begun in 2006.
This collection of books has expanded in these eighty years, mirroring faculty and student interest in and enthusiasm for Ireland and the Irish. In the 1940’s, a separate Irish Library was created to hold the books added to this collection. When the Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) was built in 1967, space was set aside for the newly formed Special Collections Department and rare books from the Irish collection were placed here, while many others remained in the circulating collection. Even today, you can find books with the Irish Library book plate out in the circulating stacks.
The collection that remains in Special Collections contains more than 200 volumes on topics ranging from history to literature to art history. Authors from the Irish Renaissance (mid nineteenth century), such as Yeats and Lady Gregory, are represented, as are the works of James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.
from "The Village" Jack B. Yeats, printed by Cuala Press
The collection also contains histories of Ireland and important historical texts such as the first edition of Michael Collins’ The Path to Freedom, published in 1922. You will also find anthologies of Irish poetry, works of literature and facsimiles and materials regarding the famous early medieval manuscript, The Book of Kells.
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Many book collectors paste bookplates inside the front covers of their books and the Latin words ex libris, meaning “from the library of,” were often used.
