Bound in Intrigue

    Books come and go from libraries, drifting in and out of hands, across continents, and through centuries. The Harvard Botany Libraries contain books whose stories and provenance are a mystery; some of which can be strung together by notes scribbled in the margins, stamps from previous owners, embossing, and distinctive original bindings. While many of our books may have once had fascinating lives, they now sit now safe and dry upon our shelves.

    This exhibit highlights a few of the stunning books in our collections.

Additional Resources

Web Exhibit Created 2011.

Authored by Sarah Burke (Pietro Crescenzi), Elise Ramsey (Ames) and Tessa Updike (Book Covers). They would like to thank the librarians of the Botany Libraries for their generous assistance throughout the project.