A selection of 579 volumes from the library of Henry James Paterson (died 1987?). Although he spent the final years of his life in East Anglia, Paterson had been born in Scotland and spent part of his boyhood in Edinburgh. The collection contains books dating from the 15th to the mid-20th century, mainly pre-1801 books, both British and continental imprints, including ten incunabula, 29 pre-1701 items, and volumes from the Aldine and other Venetian humanist presses. Fine printing from the 18th century is represented by a number of books from the Baskerville, Bodoni, and Foulis Presses, and there are examples of 19th- and 20th-century private press books. The subject matter consists largely of works of literature and the humanities, botany, and volumes on modern art, including the Impressionists. Items of note include the first editions of Jane Austen's 'Emma' (London, 1816), James Joyce's 'Ulysses' (Paris, 1922) and William Morris's copy of Chaucer's 'Workes' (London, 1602).

Organisation

The books have been catalogued individually and have the shelfmark 'Pat.'. The incunabula are part of the Library's Incunabula Collection.

Acquisition

Paterson bequeathed his books to the Library and the collection was received by the Library in 1988.