Know Before You Go: Information and helpful hints for your next visit
The Morton Arboretum Get tickets
Library Pathfinder Series

Leafing Through the History

Engage with the Arboretum’s rare book collection and other incredible artifacts of history housed at the Sterling Morton Library.

Content Detail

Leafing Through the History

The Morton Arboretum has been collecting rare botanical books and artwork since it was first established a century ago in 1922. Suzette Morton Davidson, former chair of The Morton Arboretum’s Board of Trustees and granddaughter of Joy Morton, took great interest in the Sterling Morton Library and in botanical art and books. Davidson was instrumental in the growth and development of the library’s special collections, so much so that the library’s Suzette Morton Davidson Special Collections were named in her honor. The library’s Rare Publications Collection consists of more than 5,000 volumes, including journals, nursery catalogs, and books. 

The oldest book in the Sterling Morton Library’s Rare Publications Collection is Historia Naturalis (natural history), written by Pliny the Elder in the first century AD and printed in 1481. The library’s edition was edited by Philippus Beroaldus in Parma, Italy, and is an excellent example of 15th-century bookmaking. 

This is not just any old book; it is considered to be one of the first encyclopedias. From 79 AD (the year Pliny died from the fumes coming from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius) to 1469, Pliny’s work existed only as a manuscript. It wasn’t until after printing was invented in the 15th century that his work became published and available to the public. 

Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus) was a Roman commander and scholar. Pliny was born in 23 CE to a wealthy and well-connected family. He began his military career at age 23, and he went to serve in what is now Germany. Reported to be an eccentric workaholic by his nephew, Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus), Pliny the Elder was known to have devoted his life to his studies. 

Sources:

 

Leafing Through the History (3)

Slider controls

Slider

  • The front cover of Historia naturalis (1481), the Sterling Morton Library’s oldest book. This book (along with the library’s other rare books/publications) is housed in a climate-controlled vault to protect it from any humidity, temperature, and/or lighting variations that have the potential to cause damage.
  • Detailed close-up of Historia naturalis (1481). Anyone is welcome to take an even more detailed look at this book or any of the library’s special collections materials by making an appointment with a librarian. Making an appointment will give the library time to prepare a safe and controlled space for the materials to be viewed in.
  • Detail of pages in Historia naturalis (1481). Although the Arboretum’s version is not illustrated, it is still a good example of fifteenth-century bookmaking with its elegant printing and fine rag paper. Before handling any items in the library’s special collections it is required that users thoroughly wash and dry their hands. Contrary to popular belief, white gloves are no longer recommended for the use of rare books.