Other Printed Collections

Additional Collections of Printed Books

Socius and Alumni Collections

The College collects books authored by current and former Fellows (Socius), and Old Members (Alumni). These collections are based on donations, so new additions are very welcome.

Both SOC and AL sections are partly catalogued, but a complete shelf-list is maintained, so any questions may be directed to the Library staff. Books may be consulted in the Parker Library, or borrowed by College members.

Upward Collection

Edward Upward (1903-2009) matriculated at Corpus in 1922, where he read history. Here he maintained his close relationship with Christopher Isherwood, a school friend, with whom he wrote the ‘Mortmere Stories’. Later, both Isherwood and W. H. Auden would cite him as a literary influence. Upward worked as a teacher from 1932 until 1961, with the majority of his work only reaching print in the ‘60s. However, in his ninth decade he experienced a resurgence of interest in and republication of his earlier works. When he died at the age of 105, half of his published work was from the last fifteen years of his life.

The Upward collection was purchased at auction in 2006. It contains Upward’s own copies of his published books, as well as other books that he kept in his house on the Isle of Wight.

Most of the collection has been catalogued and given the classmark reference AL UP. Alternatively, a shelf-list can be downloaded here. Books may be requested and consulted in the Parker Library reading room.

Lewis Collection

Samuel Savage Lewis (1836-91) began his academic life at Corpus in 1865, graduating with a BA in 1869, the same year in which he was elected Fellow. He was the College's Librarian from 1870-91. Lewis collected antiquarian books in addition to classical artefacts (mostly coins, gems and seals), which he bequeathed to the College along with reference material associated with his antiquarian interests. All the objects he collected are now on long-term loan to the Fitzwilliam Museum, while the books are under the remit of the Taylor Library.

The Lewis bequest contains books dating from 1468 through the 19th century, with a focus on classical languages, art and literature.

Much of the Lewis Collection has been catalogued and may be requested and consulted in the Taylor Library. A shelf-list, arranged by subject, is also available by request.

Knights of St John of Jerusalem (Perowne Bequest)

Canon C. R. T. C. Perowne matriculated at Corpus in 1923. Following a successful career in diplomatic administration throughout the Middle East, he began writing in the 1950s on Jerusalem and Roman history.

The Perowne bequest is primarily, but not exclusively, a collection of books relating to the history of the Knights Templar. Around 50 books of more antiquarian interest (the oldest is from 1551) are kept with the main Parker Library holdings and can be searched on the online catalogue.