0.15 Appendixes  (Page 13/16)

Supplementing the collection further are a number of standard reference works relating to the theatre of the 18th and 19th centuries.

It is suggested that only material of special interest relating to New York and New York State be added for the period up to, and including, 1900.

19. american fiction, poetry and belles-lettres to 1850

This is a strong collection, well publicized, whose beginnings can be traced to gifts received from donors during the 19th century.

[Frequent letters from faculty mem­bers in colleges, both within and outside of New York, demonstrate the value of these volumes. In this connection a fairly recent bibliography of early American fiction by Lyle Wright (American Fiction: A Contribution toward a Bibliography, 1744—1850. San Marino: 1948) lists many of our titles. It should be noted that only in rare instances is this collection added to by purchase beyond the 1850 date. Exceptions occur only in the case of works by minor New York City or New York State authors whose works would probably not be collected by the average public or university library.]

It is suggested that only American fiction, poetry and belles-lettres of especial New York City and New York State interest be acquired through 1900.

20. genealogies

The library has a large collection of collective and family genealogies. There is strong emphasis on New York City and State families. Genealogies of southern and western families are no longer collected, except in so far as they bear directly on families prominent in the eastern seaboard states during the 18th century. Many of these genealogies have come to us as gifts and the practice is still fairly com­mon. They are frequently of value to the biographer and historian as well as the genealogist.

It is suggested that except for New York City and State families, no genealo­gies be added to this collection. This suggestion is offered in view of the statement of the Chief of the American History division of The New York Public Library who advises that it is now the policy of that library to acquire a copy of every printed genealogy relating to families in the United States. At the same time The New York Public Library pursues a policy of selective purchase of British (in­cluding Canadian) genealogies. Added to the above is the existence of The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Library in the city.

21. professional literature

Under this category may be classed early United States histories and reference books relating to art and architecture (for museum research). Much of this material, over the years, has been donated. We have endeavored to purchase only such books and pamphlets as complement areas in which we have strong collec­tions. Certain basic reference books are properly classed in this category (directo­ries, lists, etc.). Under this category also may be classed such printed material relating to 18th and early 19th centuries as religious history; medical histories including such items as accounts of epidemics in early New York City and State; histories of early business and industrial firms; political histories, and some eco­nomic histories of the 18th and 19th centuries.