The New York Public Library will be closed from May 25 to May 27.
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.
Some manuscripts may be too fragile for use; microfilm must be used where available.
Collection consists of examples of indigenous manuscripts from Asia, Europe and Africa. Some are transcriptions ofclassical or religous texts, including copies of the Koran,the Bible and Buddhist texts. Also included are dictionaries and commentaries on religious and literary subjects, as well as soothsayer books and amulets to ward off evil spirits. Manuscripts are written on many different materials, such as stone, bark, palm leaves, vellum, and hand-made paper. Many are in their original bindings and several are accompanied with traditional wrappings, covers, boxes, and items connected with their ceremonial use. While some are illuminated, most of the manuscripts were chosen as scholarly examples of calligraphy and bookmaking.
View of the Kremlin, ca. 1790. NYPL Slavic and Baltic Collectionss.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery
