Greg telling us about the old, rare books at the library at University of Colorado Boulder.

Rare Books at the University of Colorado Boulder

Felix Wong's avatar
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I was back in Fort Collins for a bit and having dinner with friends downtown. Amongst the company were Greg, Phil, Raquel, and myself. Little did I know, this evening would soon unfold into a captivating journey through the annals of history, all thanks to Greg’s exciting revelation.

As we savored our meal, Greg, with a gleam of excitement in his eyes, dropped some Good News that would set the tone for the evening. He joyfully announced his impending retirement on the 15th of September, marking the end of his remarkable 12-year tenure as the custodian of the Rare Books at the Norlin Library, nestled within the prestigious University of Colorado Boulder. Before bidding adieu to his beloved library, Greg had a burning desire to share the treasures hidden within the Rare Books Room with his close-knit circle of friends. An invitation that none of us could resist.

Now, I must confess, I’ve long embraced the world of electronic books, having bid farewell to my physical collection (except for a few trusty engineering textbooks). However, Greg, with his boundless enthusiasm, managed to ignite my curiosity for ancient tomes. With an enticing mention of books by luminaries such as Galileo, Darwin, and Shakespeare, my interest was thoroughly piqued. The Rare Books Room held more than just books; it cradled history itself, with artifacts like a land deed bearing the signature of none other than Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary.

With eagerness, I accepted Greg’s gracious invitation, and a week later found myself standing in the hallowed chambers of the Rare Books Room. Greg, a veritable maestro of knowledge, embarked on an enthralling presentation. He regaled us with tales of paper, vellum, parchment, the art of printing, and the intricacies of bookbinding. With each anecdote, the room seemed to come alive, bridging the gap between centuries.

Greg’s passion for these literary treasures shone through as he pointed out his personal favorites, each a testament to human creativity and intellect.

The photographs and their accompanying captions below capture but a glimpse of the treasures unveiled that evening. It was a journey through time, a celebration of knowledge, and a fitting tribute to Greg’s distinguished career. Congratulations, Greg, on your well-deserved retirement. Your dedication to preserving these literary marvels has left an indelible mark on all of us fortunate enough to have shared this experience with you.

An ancient Korean book.
An ancient Korean book.
This is a handwritten book. The people who created them didn't need to know how to read, just copy.
This is a handwritten book. The people who created them didn't need to know how to read, just copy.
This 1859 copy of Darwin’s Origin of the Species was printed on pages made from wood pulp. Wood pulp books typically last only 200 years.
This 1859 copy of Darwin’s Origin of the Species was printed on pages made from wood pulp. Wood pulp books typically last only 200 years.
A world atlast created in 1635.
A world atlast created in 1635.
A map of Europe in the History of the World book. The map is way out of proportion.
A map of Europe in the History of the World book. The map is way out of proportion.
A receipt and a coupon carved in clay and left to dry without baking.
A receipt and a coupon carved in clay and left to dry without baking.
When William Shakespeare was alive, the manuscripts of his plays were torn up and not kept so that competing theaters could not copy him. After his death, collaborators created this portfolio of his plays in 1623 for posterity.
When William Shakespeare was alive, the manuscripts of his plays were torn up and not kept so that competing theaters could not copy him. After his death, collaborators created this portfolio of his plays in 1623 for posterity.
This is one of Greg’s favorite books. CU bought from auction in England recently for, I think, $28000.
This is one of Greg’s favorite books. CU bought from auction in England recently for, I think, $28000.
This leaf of the Gutenberg bible (right, cerca 1455) was printed based off the hand-drawn bible on the left. There were no page numbers, table of contents, or indexes. Red dots were hand-drawn at the beginning and end of chapters.
This leaf of the Gutenberg bible (right, cerca 1455) was printed based off the hand-drawn bible on the left. There were no page numbers, table of contents, or indexes. Red dots were hand-drawn at the beginning and end of chapters.
Modern day vellum (parchment).
Modern day vellum (parchment).
A copy of Galileo's book that he went to jail for.
A copy of Galileo's book that he went to jail for.
A contract for an indentured servant. They were called "indentured" from how the contract was scalloped in half, resembling being cut by two giant front teeth. Half of the contract was given to the owner, the other half to the servant.
A contract for an indentured servant. They were called "indentured" from how the contract was scalloped in half, resembling being cut by two giant front teeth. Half of the contract was given to the owner, the other half to the servant.
This is called a palm-leaf manuscript or book of palms.
This is called a palm-leaf manuscript or book of palms.
Land deed signed by Abraham and Mary Lincoln
Land deed signed by Abraham and Mary Lincoln
Greg telling us about the old, rare books at the library at University of Colorado Boulder.
Greg telling us about the old, rare books at the library at University of Colorado Boulder.