Collection: Catholic School manuscript book collection | Georgetown University Archival Resources

The Catholic School Manuscript Book Collection consists of sixty-two bound manuscript volumes, mostly of academic or devotional nature. The volumes have been grouped into five series by subject matter, due to the lack of other unifying characteristics: Series I, Theology and Philosophy; Series II, Mathematics, Science and Rhetoric; Series III, History, Literature and Law; Series IV, Devotional and Religious Works; Series V, Various School Texts. Although the Series divisions seem somewhat arbitrary, the present separation is based upon a loose hierarchy founded on the importance of the disciplines involved (using, in general, a nineteenth-century Jesuit point of view), or upon the seriousness of the particular text.

For the purposes of this division, Rhetoric covers composition, oratory and general literary studies; these texts make up part of the Second Series. Strictly grammatical texts and manuscript translations, however, are found in Series III. Also in the third Series, history is used in its broadest sense and includes biography. Finally, the rather subtle division between theological and religious works attempts to separate the theoretical and doctrinal texts, found in Series I, from the polemical or apologetic works, and from rules for religious observance and prayer books. These latter volumes make up Series IV.

Extent of Collection: 62 volumes in 8 boxes 3.75 linear feet Provenance: listed in each volume description; Most from Georgetown College Library and Riggs Library collections

Date Span: 1557 to 1876 Processed: 1 May 1985 by James Helminski

Note: Click on "External Documents" below for a link to the finding aid for the collection.

Dates

1557-1876

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.