University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Literature

Artwork of a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer

This collection reflects both the past and the future of literature, starting with the birth of printing in the 15th century forwards. 

The first editions of works by British and American authors including Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth, William Butler Yeats, and Mark Twain, Gary Snyder and Diane Wakoski are available for examination. Poetry and fine press editions are represented in the collaborations between poets and the Arion, Gehenna and Rainbow presses.

Highlighted Collections

Charles Bukowski Papers

Books containing poetry, stories, and drawings, as well as letters, unpublished works, photographs, audio cassettes, flyers, and posters.

Papers of Edward Abbey

Biographical materials, correspondence, journals, notebooks, speeches, manuscripts, articles, audiotapes, videotapes, and supplemental materials documenting Edward Abbey's life and career.

Women Mystery Writers

Works from American women mystery writers, with an emphasis on Southwestern authors, including novels published from the 1950s to present written by female authors who primarily portray female protagonists.

All items in Literature

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.