Collections A-Z
In addition to general collections and online subscription databases, journals, and ebooks, the Library holds more than 500 named collections which are distinguished by their specialized subject matter, age, uniqueness, or value. Most of the listed collections on this page are located in the John Hay Library. To locate digitized collections, see the list available at the Center for Digital Scholarship site and search the Brown Digital Repository.
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H. Adrian Smith Collection of Conjuring and Magicana
The H. Adrian Smith Collection of Conjuring and Magicana, long considered one of the finest private libraries on conjuring and magic, includes 16th century titles on natural magic, alchemy, astrology, religious rites, and witchcraft. Later holdings include sections on conjuring, card tricks and games, magicians as performers, magic periodicals and other works intended for practicing magicians, posters, ephemera, and realia. The Collection is the gift and bequest of the collector, class of 1930, who as an undergraduate put himself through Brown by giving magic performances.Format(s): Books, Serials, Manuscripts, Graphics, Video Files
Library: John John Hay, Collections Annex
NOTE: Portions of this collection are housed off-site. Prior notice is needed for retrieval
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Access to the collection:
Online Catalog (BruKnow):
Individual records for most printed materials available on BruKnow.
H. Adrian Smith Magic Collection
Other Online Access:
Digital Collection: H. Adrian Smith Magic Objects Collection
Publication: Books at Brown, Volume XXXIV, 1987
RIAMCO: Guide to the H. Adrian Smith papers
RIAMCO: Guide to the H. Adrian Smith Magic Objects collection
Notes:
As of 2009, the manuscript and archival materials are being processed, and work in continuing on cataloging the serials. The print materials are fully cataloged, and records for media are available in the Library's online catalog.