About This Site

The Rare Book Collection of the National Library has the most comprehensive holdings of Canadian private press books in the country. Distinguished by the high quality of craftsmanship and materials, these unique works stand as extraordinary examples of our national literary treasure. It was thought that a website devoted to these works was long overdue.

In most cases, private press books are printed in limited numbers (usually fewer than 300 copies) on hand-made paper, at times illustrated with original engravings, and bound by hand. Due to their often delicate nature, exhibition of the National Library's private press books has been limited. This website seeks to introduce and showcase a selection of these exceptional specimens of our rich and varied published heritage.

Acknowledgements

The National Library of Canada would like to thank guest curator Alison Judd for her expertise, and especially for her enthusiasm for the field of Canadian private presses. A graduate of the Printmaking Program at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Ms. Judd was also curator of the Mackenzie Heritage Printery Museum in Queenston, Ontario.

In addition, Michel Brisebois, Rare Books Librarian, National Library of Canada, offered invaluable support in preparing this virtual exhibit.

We also acknowledge the contribution of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Digital Cultural Content Initiative (CDCCI), whose financial assistance has made this work possible.

Copyright/Sources

This page provides a list of thumbnail images of the material found on the Canadian Private Presses website. The following details usually accompany each thumbnail image:

• A caption for, or description of, the item
• The copyright notice for the item
• The name of the copyright owner of the item
• The reproduction credit for the item
• The source of the item