English Faculty Library

Special Collections

The English Faculty Library holds a number of special collections:

• Rare Book Collection
• Tasker Collection

Rare Book Collection

The English Faculty Library contains just under 400 rare books in its basement. The oldest is the Works of Joseph Hall of Exceter, printed by Miles Flesher of London in 1628. All of these items are listed on the Newton catalogue and will be shown as 'glass case' in the location field. They may be viewed by making a request at the issue desk and as many are in a quite delicate condition archival gloves and sponge supports are provided.

We will shortly be commencing a project to record various interesting aspects of these books e.g. bindings, inserts, ephemera, marginalia and details of previous ownership and history. It is the intention that this will prove a valuable resource to those studying bibliography, typography, & illustration etc. Some initial work on this project was begun in the summer of 2011 by two work experience students Ellie Harper and Satoko Aizawa.

Tasker Collection of Caribbean Literature

This special collection of literature by Caribbean authors was generously presented to the library by Miss Joyce Trotman (pictured right in 2010). It had been assembled by Elizabeth and Tony Tasker who knew many of the authors personally. There are over 150 books featuring amongst others, writers such as Sir Wilson Harris, George Lamming, Edgar Mittelholzer, Samuel Selvon and E.R. Braithwaite.The collection also contains, pamphlets, photographs, press cuttings and ephemera. It will be of particular interest to those involved in post-colonial studies and the Windrush generation of authors.

All items are reference only but are housed on open shelves so may be consulted at any time.