This descriptive catalogue of the western manuscripts dating to 1800 housed in the libraries of the University of Pennsylvania was begun in 1960 and was printed in six issues of The Library Chronicle. Actual use of the catalogue led to the revision of some of the entries, additions, and corrections which are incorporated in the present volume. One hundred and seventeen manuscripts are described here for the first time. The manuscripts are described in the order in which they were placed on the shelves, a common but not a logical arrangement. The compilers, therefore, have prepared an extensive index listing title entries; names of authors, scribes, and owners; persons referred to in the text; names of places and countries, as well as other entries deemed useful.

The catalogue includes the manuscripts of the Rare Book Collection, Henry C. Lea Library, Edgar F. Smith Collection, and the Veterinary Library. Greatly facilitating access to the resources of the University Libraries, the catalogue also provides an intriguing description of bibliographical riches.