GUNSTON HALL RARE BOOKS

© Dennis McWaters

The Rare Book Collection comprises more than 1,230 titles, with strengths in law, cookery, history, gardening, literature, and architecture of the18th century. In 1992 the rare books were cataloged into OCLC, a nationwide computer database available in most libraries. Search this catalog. 

Highlights include:

• Collection of books listed in the estate inventory of John Mercer, George Mason's uncle
• Architecture books based on library of carpenter/joiner, William Buckland
• Several books inscribed by George Mason and/or his children

George Mason's Library

George Mason had access to a variety of books through his uncle, John Mercer, but very little is known about the books in his own library. There are indeed books inscribed with his name in this Rare Books Collection, but his complete library remains unknown. The collected works of George Mason is an area in which we continue to conduct research. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Access

Materials in the Rare Books Collection are available by request, Monday - Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please contact the library to make an appointment.
By phone: 703-550-9220 ext. 235
By email: library@gunstonhall.org