Pepperdine Libraries Showcases Recently Acquired Rare Books
Pepperdine Libraries is pleased to host a new exhibition in the Boone Special Collections and Archives wing of Payson Library. Titled Enriching Classroom Learning: Newly Acquired Rare Books, the exhibition showcases rare and unique books recently added to our collection. The new acquisitions span a range of subjects and authors, including a first-edition American stage play Death of a Salesman, a two-volume set of Darwin's Descent of Man, a first-edition, first-printing of Charles Dickens' final novel, a book on cerebral anatomy, essays on demoniacs in the New Testament, and much more.
Rare books are invaluable teaching resources. When students engage with primary sources—handwritten annotations, unique illustrations, and historical bindings—they experience a direct, tangible link to the past. These materials reveal how ideas were recorded, challenged, and refined over centuries, offering profound insights into the cultural, social, religious, and political climates of their times. This connection between past and present fosters a deep appreciation for the evolution of knowledge, which is a cornerstone of Pepperdine Libraries' instructional mission.
With our students and faculty always in mind, the Special Collections team actively seeks new, collaborative ways to enrich our learning environment. By integrating rare books into our curriculum, we aim to create an interdisciplinary space that encourages original research, nurtures curiosity, and deepens respect for cultural heritage preservation. This dynamic educational experience not only honors the past but also inspires future inquiry and discovery.
Visit us on the second floor of Payson Library to see and learn about these rare treasures.