The scope for American literature follows the general scope for American materials, namely, from the colonial period to the 1920s. For the colonial, Revolutionary and Early Republic periods in North America the literature materials are best understood within the context of the wealth of published primary works that reflect all aspects of American history, literature and culture. American literature in a narrow sense was not emphasized as a collecting specialty in the early days of the Library; however, the Library holds very rich collections of printed books, pamphlets, and maps for early America. For the nineteenth century the Newberry holds pre-eminent collections in the printed works of Herman Melville and Indian captivity narratives. Also very strong are the collections of periodicals, from the post-Revolutionary period to the early twentieth century, and fiction, which is especially strong to 1850. The collecting of literary manuscripts has focused on Midwest authors, critics, and journalists, literary and cultural clubs, and, to a lesser degree, theater.
Other notable collection strengths:
See also: