The name Paul Chrzanowski should be familiar to Los Angeles-based Shakespeare fans. Over the years, he has donated a remarkable collection of books—all based on the premise that they are books that The Bard may have read. In April, the Clark Library received an additional twenty-seven titles, ranging in date from 1496 to 1637. The subject matter is eclectic, but focused this time on history, praxis, and philosophy. Beginning with a fragment of the second edition of the Book of St. Albans, the library now has a complete copy (with some leaves in facsimile) of Dame Julianna Berners’s Book of Hunting. Printed by Wynkyn de Worde, this 1496 copy is also an example of early color printing. The 1526 edition of The Grete Herball is extensively illustrated with woodcuts (and is currently holding a mystery for the librarians – our copy, unlike many others, has text on the verso of the anatomical woodcut). The newest additions also include works on: the history of Cambria [Wales] with a report of the legendary discovery of America by Madoc in the twelfth century (1584); a 1574 contemplation of mysteries (relating to weather and to comets); and two manuscripts: one, a treatise for ministers in Buckinghamshire to identify immigrants possibly plotting against the queen (1592); the other, a bill requesting payment for navy victuals (1595) – signed by William Cecil, Rebert Devereux, Charles Howard, and Henry Carey. There is also a book of recipes for candies, preserves, and alcoholic beverages written for ladies (1615) and William Camden’s English translation of Queen Elizabeth’s history (1625). (Note: at the time of this writing, the books are still being cataloged, but are available for research. Please inquire in advance if you would like to consult these titles).
-Nina Schneider, Rare Books Librarian