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Rauner Special Collections Library: World War I

This guide is intended to assist with orientation to and location of WWI materials available for research at Rauner Special Collections Library.

Literary Works

Rauner Library has a significant collection of published writings related to World War I that includes works of poetry, prose, drama, satire, and juvenile literature. Of particular note is. Other examples include:

  • The Rupert Brooke collection, which is comprised of the war poet’s own personally annotated library as well as first and later editions, manuscript items, periodical appearances, and memorabilia.
  • A play by the author of “Peter Pan,” J. M. Barrie, entitled “Der Tag; or, The tragic man,” which is a thinly veiled WWI propaganda piece (Rare PR4074 .D4 1914 c.2).
  • Brave boys and girls during wartime: true stories, as told by John Lea (Sine Illus B762brave).

To find these materials in the library catalog, use the keywords “World War, 1914-1918” and the appropriate genre (“Drama,” “Poetry,” “Juvenile Literature,” etc.). You can limit the results to Rauner Library by using the filter options in the left-hand column. Don’t forget to use keywords to search the Finding Aid Database as well.