In 1938, information powerhouse ProQuest began a massive project to preserve the very earliest books printed in English. 70 years later, more than 130,000 books from the birth of printing in 1473 through 1699 have been digitized, enabling broad online access, precision searching and protection from the ravages of time.Take a look at a selection of pages from this unique database.

1. A LOOK AT THE EARLIEST
ENGLISH BOOKS

2. Preserving the world’s knowledge
In 1938, information powerhouse ProQuest began a massive project to
preserve the very earliest books printed in English.
70 years later, more than 130,000 books from the birth of printing in
1473 through 1699 have been digitized, enabling broad online
access, precision searching and protection from the ravages of time.
Take a look at a selection of pages from this unique database.

3. The Origins of English Printing
1/21/2015 3
“here begynneth
the volume
intituled and
named the
recuyell of the
historyes of
Troy,…”
Printed by
William Caxton,
1473
Bib Name /
Number:STC
(2nd ed.) / 15375
Copy from:
Henry E.
Huntington
Library and Art
Gallery
William Caxton (1421-1491)

4. Literature
1/21/2015 4
The works of F. Rabelais,
M.D., or, The lives, heroic
deeds and sayings of
Gargantua and
Pantagruel … done out of
French by Sir Tho.
Urchard, Kt., and others.
London : Printed for
Richard Baldwin, 1694
Bib Number: Wing /
R104
Copy from: University of
Illinois

5. Science
1/21/2015 5
Micrographia, or, Some physiological descriptions of minute bodies made by magnifying
glasses by Robert Hooke, 1635-1703. London : Printed for James Allestry ... and are to
be sold at his shop ..., 1667 Bib Number:Wing / H2620 Copy from: Library of Congress

6. Music
1/21/2015 6
Orpheus Britannicus, A collection of all the choicest songs for one, two,
and three voices by Purcell, Henry, 1659-1695. London : Printed by J.
Heptinstall for Henry Playford ..., 1698
Bib Name / Number:Wing / P4218
Copy from: Harvard University Library