Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)

Virginia Woolf

Woolf Library

Among other historical treasures, MASC is proud to be the home of the personal library of Leonard and Virginia Woolf. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was one of the major literary figures of the twentieth century and author of numerous collections of letters, journals, and short stories.

Contained in the Woolf Library are over 150 volumes bound or, as often was the case, rebound by Virginia Woolf. A quick examination of the bindings in this online exhibit will reveal that Virginia Woolf probably regarded her binding efforts (in most cases) as temporary steps taken for maintaining the integrity of her books, rather than as examples of fine craftsmanship. The bindings do, however, provide a valuable insight into the author’s personal tastes and literary interests.

If you would like to explore more of the collections to be found in MASC, click here.

MASC collections are especially rich in documents and photographs relating to the history, exploration, settlement, and development of the Palouse Country, the Inland Empire, the Columbia Basin, Washington Territory, and the Pacific Northwest.

Queries about donating special gifts to MASC should be made to Trevor Bond at 509-335-6693 or tjbond@wsu.edu.