QU bringing historical materials to region with Mark Twain collection

QUINCY — Quincy University’s Brenner Library is bringing historical materials to the region with the recent acquisition of the Mark Twain Collection from Fontbonne University in Clayton, Mo.

Consisting of more than 420 books and works of art, this collection originated from Cyril Clemens, a third cousin twice removed from Samuel L. Clemens. Cyril Clemens donated the collection to Fontbonne University Library after his wife, Nan B. Shallcross, served as library director at Fontbonne from 1947-1957.

“Discovering the signatures of Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt was second only to seeing Samuel L. Clemens’ own name written in one of the books,” Katie Kraushaar, dean of library and information services at Brenner, said in a press release. “We recognize the effort that went into collecting and preserving this collection, and we are excited to start sharing it with the community. Receiving the Mark Twain Collection from Fontbonne is an incredible gift to scholars and researchers at QU, in the region, and nationwide.”

Highlights of the collection include first editions of Twain’s most popular works, books by other authors — such as Cyril Clemens, Helen Keller and Will Rogers — and publications from the International Mark Twain Society, which Cyril Clemens founded.

Lindsey Witt, instructional librarian and preservation archivist, inventoried the materials when they arrived.

“Seeing Mark Twain’s books as they were published in over 20 different countries and in 16 languages is incredible – not to mention the rare first editions and famous signatures,” she said,

The collection is housed on the top level of Brenner Library on QU’s main campus.

For more information and to view the collection, contact Kraushaar at 217-228-5432, ext. 3800.

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