Progress Report - University of Miami Libraries

Notable
Acquisitions
In 2006, the combined holdings of the University of Miami Libraries reached three million volumes, and the
Libraries celebrated this milestone with the acquisition of a sixteenth century illuminated French manuscript
once owned by William Randolph Hearst.
Over the past four years the Libraries have acquired a variety of rich primary sources and other rare and unique
materials that support University research and scholarship. On the following pages are highlighted a selection of
these notable print volumes and distinctive manuscript and image collections acquired by the Libraries’ Special
Collections and Cuban Heritage Collection.
Three Millionth Book
The University of Miami Libraries celebrated the acquisition of
its three millionth book—the illuminated French manuscript
Dialogues et Chants Royaux—at a symposium in October 2007.
This exquisite circa 1515 manuscript was written on
twenty-four leaves of fine vellum, including four beautiful full-page
miniatures in gold and color. A collection of religious poems by
several authors in honor of the Virgin Mary, the handmade book is
decorated with illuminated initial letters in red, blue, and gold. It was
most likely produced by a manuscript workshop patronized by the
wealthy nobleman Jacques Le Lieur in Rouen, France.
Symposium speakers included Professor of Art History and Senior
Associate Dean Perri Lee Roberts, College of Arts and Sciences;
Curator of Special Collections Eric White, Bridwell Library, Southern
Methodist University; and Florence Fearrington Librarian William
Stoneman, Houghton Library, Harvard University.
One of the four full-page miniatures that
appear in Dialogues et Chants Royaux,
the Libraries’ three millionth book.
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