The Largest In The Country

The Shakespearean Collection in the University Library

Gift of Sen. McMillan

A Fitting Monument to a Worthy Man--A Pleasure to Students of English Literature

One of the pleasant anticipations of the "English" summer student is a sight of the McMillan Shakespeare collection of 5,082 volumes and 174 pamphlets.

The funds for the purchase of this library were the gift of the late Senator McMillan, and Prof. Demmon of the English department has done much of the collecting. Many of the volumes have been bought abroad, at auctions, in stalls, from museums,--bought of those who realized their value and in shops where they sold as ordinary books.

From the second edition down to the Hudson, Rolfe and Temple, they stand in great tiers, taken down for the booklover to thumb lovingly, to rub his hand over their yellow pages, and feel a little nearer to the greatest poet that ever lived.

Some of the editions are most curiously illustrated, some are hand illuminated, some have the margins covered with microscopic notes. One has a coat of arms emblazoned on the cover, showing it had once belonged to the royal family when books were so rare that only the great could possess them. This copy is valued at $1,000, and you turn from this to little paper covered pamphlets sold for a few pence. Some copies there are worth their weight in gold, some have few duplicates. All show the care and time and scholarly knowledge that must have been expended in collecting.

This Shakespearian library of the University of Michigan is known as the largest and most complete in the United State. Many avail themselves of it to do special work in Shakespeare text; and it is used by special permission for post-graduate work. All are glad of the opportunity to be taken by Prof. Demmon within its barred doors, where a lover of books must feel the presence of a great master.