Douglas Munro Alexandre Dumas père Collection

Date range: 1807-1994

Medium: Printed

Number of items: 2500 items.

The collection relating to the novelist and dramatist Alexandre Dumas père (1802-1870) was amassed by the late Douglas Munro of Cupar in Fife, compiler of three definitive Dumas bibliographies, and acquired after his death in 1994. Through his contacts with booksellers worldwide, Munro was able to amass an impressive array of Dumas first editions, whether in serialized, book, illustrated or indeed pirated form.

There are numerous English translations of Dumas's works, including first translations into English as well as later versions from the second half of the 20th century. Munro also collected adaptations of Dumas's works including abridgements for children, and essays and prefaces penned by Dumas. Supporting the original works is much secondary literature of a bibliographical and critical nature.

The collection also includes a large amount of Dumas ephemera and memorabilia, which is currently uncatalogued. There are albums and envelopes containing press cuttings, stamps, theatre programmes and photographs; numerous portraits and engravings (some framed) both of the author, and of actors or scenes from Dumas's works; cinema posters, and illustrated ceramic plates.

The collection represents a monument not only to the author but also to the late Douglas Munro. It complements the Library's other extensive collections in the area of 19th-century French literary studies.

Further information:

• Monographs and serials are recorded in Library Search.

• Ephemera and memorabilia are currently uncatalogued.

• John Rylands Research Institute Newsletter, 10 (Summer 1995), 10-12.

Location:

• The John Rylands Library, Deansgate  [Map]
• Find out how to use the reading rooms in the John Rylands Research Institute and Library
• The University of Manchester Main Library, Oxford Rd  [Map]
• Find out how to use the reading room in the Main Library