Erasmus Collection Victoria University, E.J. Pratt Library Subjects Erasmus, Desiderius; Philosophy; Religion; Bible History The collection was established in 1932. Originally part of the library of Professor Andrew James Bell, the collection was presented to Victoria University by Mrs. Martha Bell after her husband's death in 1932. Grants have helped develop the collection. Description The most valuable section of Professor A.J. Bell's library, given to Victoria University, was his unique collection of Erasmiana. This collection, one of the most significant in North America, aims to be comprehensive in prime sixteenth century editions of Erasmus works; important editions of the Opera; English translations; and other important translations. It includes first editions and films of unique material; modern secondary studies; and bibliographical sources. Reference works, critical monographs, and journals to support the collection are located in the open stacks. Language Multilingual (English, French, Latin, Dutch, German, Italian, and Spanish). Holdings 1,026 volumes. Bibliographic Access The collection is catalogued. LC subject headings and classification are used. The card catalogue is integrated into both the E.J. Pratt Library and the Centre for Reformation and Renaissance public catalogues. There is also a separate local shelf list.The holdings are recorded in the University of Toronto Union Catalogue and COM catalogue, the National Library Union Catalogue, and UTLAS. Special bibliographies include the McCready bibliography (see below) and Marie Tremaine's Handlist of Erasmiana in the Bell Collection of Victoria College (typescript). Physical Access The collection is in a special collections area which is open to the public with identification. For further information visit: http://library.vicu.utoronto.ca/special/index.htm. Interlibrary Loan: At the discretion of the curator. Reprography: At the discretion of the curator. Reference Assistance: Yes. Publications Describing Collection Pfaff, Larry. -- "Andrew James Bell: a great Toronto book-collector". -- Papers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada =Cahiers de la Société bibliographique du Canada. -- Vol. 15 (1976). -- Toronto : The Bibliographical Society of Canada, 1977. Hoeniger, F.D. -- "Preface and introduction to the Erasmus Collection in the Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies,Victoria University in the University of Toronto". -- Renaissance and Reformation. -- Vol. 7, no. 2 (1971). -- Toronto : Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies, 1971 . McCready, W.T. -- "The Erasmus Collection". -- Renaissance and Reformation. -- Vol. 7, no. 2 (1971). -- Toronto : Canadian Society for Renaissance Studies, 1971.