This guide provides a listing of materials in Special Collections and University Archives at the University of Maryland relating to Fine Presses. This guide highlights material created by various Fine Presses that are available in the Maryland Room in Hornbake Library.
The Fine Press Movement (sometimes called the Private Press Movement) began in the late 19th century with William Morris and the Kelmscott Press. Morris hated the commercialization of easily manufactured, cheap products and sought to fight the trend brought on by industrialization, becoming the founder and leader of the Arts & Crafts movement. The Arts & Crafts movement and Morris' founding of the Kelmscott Press made way for the Fine Press movement, where artists, authors, and craftsmen showed appreciation for typography, design, illustration, printing and fine binding. The results were the production of books as an art form and the crafting of beautiful books. Due to care and consideration each element is given, fine press books are often small print-runs of high quality, produced by individuals or small businesses.
If you have any questions about the fine press movement or about how to view fine press books in Special Collections, contact us.
For additional guides related to books in Special Collections select an option below.
Use the University of Maryland classic catalog to search for titles in the rare book collection by date of publication, author, or keyword. Select Advanced Search and select Marylandia and Rare Books to search for works housed in Special Collections and University Archives.
Contact us with any questions about locating books in Special Collections and University Archives at the University of Maryland.
All rare books can be requested online and viewed in the Maryland Room, located in Hornbake Library at the University of Maryland College Park.
Search the library catalog to find books and other material from Special Collections at the University of Maryland. You can search by keyword, author, title, and subject heading.
To view books in Special Collections, schedule an appointment to visit the Maryland Room in Hornbake Library. The Maryland Room is open by appointment Monday - Friday. Schedule an appointment online.
Once you schedule your appointment:
If you have any questions or need assistance contact us!
