About the Rare Book Collection

The Law Library’s collection of rare books consists of approximately 90,000 volumes of books and bound manuscripts, many issued prior to 1801. A major strength of the collection is in Anglo-American materials, which includes a collection of English Year Book Literatusre, English and American trials, and early American statutory law among others. Other significant collection areas include, Roman law, Canon law,  Consilia, early Russian legal materials, and historical works from Europe and Latin America, as well as Native American law. The Law Library  also possesses a significant collection of medieval legal manuscripts, medieval manuscript fragments, and over 300 incunabula.

Rare Book Services

Rare book service is available on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Access to rare materials is by appointment only.  For further information, contact Mr. Nathan Dorn, Rare Book Librarian, at [email protected] or 202-707-3803.