Early Modern and Modern Rare Books

Rare printed books produced after the 15th century, including Shakespeare's First Folio.

The rare books holdings of the Bodleian Library reflect its history as the library of the University of Oxford since 1602, with particular strengths in theology, law, the classical tradition, mathematics, life sciences, literature and early children’s books, although almost all subjects and genres are represented.

This collection of digital images includes a very small sample of some of our great printed treasures, including works by William Shakespeare and William Blake; the Bay Psalm Book (the first book printed in British North America); and examples of less well known titles. Also available are a small number of items from Christ Church, Exeter College and Magdalen College.

For more information on the Bodleian's collection of rare books, including contact details, please see the Rare Books LibGuide.