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The Collection

The JCB's collection of 50,000 rare books, maps and manuscripts encompasses more than two hundred languages and spans over three centuries of early American history. Explore some representative items from the collection here.

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  • Places
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Detail of brown book binding shows the embossed details.

La istoria de las Indias. y Conquista de Mexico

López de Gómara
1552
Detail of an engraved map of Azilia shows a castle in the center of the city, surrounded by farms and four quadrants.

A plan representing the form of setling the districts, or county divisions in the Margravate of Azilia

1717
Detail of a colored manuscript atlas shows a coastal region and labels in Latin. Other details include drawings of castles and mountains.

[Portolan atlas] / Vesconte de Maiolo ciuis Janue conposuy

Vesconte Maggiolo
1511
Engraved fold-out map shows Greenland spelled "Grœnland" and other text in German.

Historie von Grönland

David Cranz
1765-1770
Detail of a printed book shows full-page illustrations of plants. Text in Latin also visible.

Aromatum, et simplicium aliquot medicamentorum apud Indos

Garcia de Orta
1567
Detail of a printed book shows red binding with gold details at the borders of the boards and all along the spine.

Guia política, eclesiástica y militar del Virreynato del Perú

Hipólito Unanue
1795
Detail from book cover shows dark brown binding with a missing piece in the front and worn sides.

The Secretary's guide, or, Young mans companion

William Bradford
1728
Detail from the binding of a manuscript codex shows text in Spanish "3. Soledad."

Spiritual autobiography

María de San José
1703-1710
Detail of a printed book shows title page with manuscript notations throughout the blank spaces on the page.

An essay towards the reconciling of differences among Christians...

Roger Williams
circa 1645
Detail of an engraved map of Virginia and Maryland shows "Baltemore county," a compass rose, and labels in English.

Virginia and Maryland As it is planted and Inhabited this present Year 1670

Augustine Herrman
1673
Detail of a hand colored, engraved print of Grenada shows a scene of naval warfare, as seen by smoke engulfing one ship.

Prise de l'isle de la Grenade...

Roger fils
1782
Detail of a colored engraved map shows latitude and longitude lines and label in English over New England written as "Nieu Engelant."

Pas caarte van Nieu Nederlandt

Arnold Colom
1656
Detail of a printed book shows a decorated title page depicting an illustration of Sor Juana, angels, indigenous people, and text in Spanish and Latin.

Fama, y obras posthumas del Fenix de Mexico

Juana Inés de la Cruz
1700
Detail of a hand colored map, engraved in copper, shows Latin text.

Claudii Ptolemaei Cosmographaie [sic]

Ptolemy
1477
Book bound in white silk and decorated with the coat of arms of the Portuguese family and silver and gold beads.

Diario ecclesiastico para os Bispados do Rio de Janeiro, S. Paulo, e Marianna

1808
Printed title page includes decorative border and text in English reading "The Whole Book of Psalmes Faithfully translated into English metre." Left side of the page shows manuscript notations.

The whole booke of Psalmes faithfully translated into English metre

1640
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