Rare Book Collection
The SCA includes the Joseph Sablé Centre for 19th French Studies which houses the extensive collection of Father Joseph Sablé including works from the 19th century romantic period including history, society and culture, as well as major French writers of literature. The Centre also includes one of the worlds most important collections of material related to Émile Zola, including copies of his letters.
Many items in the collection are important not only for their intellectual content but also for their artefactual value. The collection provides numerous examples of the changes in the book arts from the advent of printing to the present day.
The SCA acquires books and other material in a number of areas of specialization. Our main interest is Catholicism with particular emphasis on Catholicism in Canada. We also have strong interests in areas that support the College programs including French and Irish philosophy, history and literature and Book and Media Studies.
Other collection strengths include philosophy, English, Irish, and Canadian history, and English, Irish, and French literature. The SCA also houses an extensive collection of first editions and other material by Marshall McLuhan and a small Sitwelliana collection.
Also included in the collection is the original library of St Michael's College, founded in 1852 (the Soulerin Collection). This collection is strongest in British and European history, English and French literature, and Catholic theology. A number of 18th century journals are represented in the collection. Read the Soulerin Collection booklet produced by the Kelly Library.
A selection of the important collections are listed below.
Catholicism
Counter-Reformation Collection
Soulerin Collection (pre-confederation library of St Michael's College)
French and Irish philosophy, history and literature
Celtic Collection
Index to 19th Century Periodicals in the Sablé Collection
Other
Sitwelliana Collection
Thomas Merton
University of St Michael's College Publications Collection