On March 17 and 18, the University of Delaware Library welcomed more than 200 book-lovers from around the globe for a symposium and exhibition celebrating the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection.

Samuels Lasner, a longtime friend and supporter of the University who is senior research fellow in the University of Delaware Library, donated his vast collection of British literature and art to the Special Collections Department last year. Worth more than $10 million, the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection is the largest and most valuable donation in the library’s history.

The symposium, “Celebrating the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection: Rare Books and Manuscripts, Victorian Literature and Art,” was a two-day event featuring a keynote address by Elaine Showalter, professor emerita of English at Princeton University, and a bevy distinguished speakers in the worlds of rare books and Victorian studies, including Mark Dimunation (Library of Congress), Barbara Heritage (Rare Book School, University of Virginia), Ed Maggs (Maggs Bros. Ltd., London), Joseph Bristow (UCLA), Linda K. Hughes (Texas Christian University), Margaretta S. Frederick (Delaware Art Museum), William S. Peterson (Emeritus, University of Maryland), David Taylor (UK historian and author), and Margaret D. Stetz (University of Delaware). For a full schedule of the days’ events and recordings of the talks, click here.

Kicking off the event, University President Dennis Assanis praised Samuels Lasner for choosing the University of Delaware as a home for the collection.

“It is often said that a library has many assets – people, books, technology. The crown jewel that really differentiates a library is its special collections. We are so proud for the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection to be here and hope it will motivate others to see UD as a potential home for their collections,” said Assanis. 

Every symposium speaker praised the collection and its impact, often highlighting specific books, authors and illustrations. Many noted Samuels Lasner’s significant role in the work of rare books and special collections and the important relationships he has made with collectors, scholars, and institutions.

“We were exposed to diverse points of view from many of the top players in the field. There was much to appeal to both collectors of books and lovers of literature. It was a rare combination of the entertaining and the thought-provoking. And the excellent exhibition brought it all to life. This all reflects Mark’s total understanding of what he has collected and why,” said John Tepe, a member of the University’s Library Associates.

Fellow attendees agreed and noted Samuels Lasner’s tenacious dedication to his collection throughout the years.

“Mark’s achievement is extraordinary and due to his deep love of the subject and tremendous zeal and persistence that only a dedicated book collector can manage. He has done it over many years and kept at it continually, despite severe competition against some towering giants in the collecting field,” said attendee Stephen Massey, an antiquarian bookseller and appraiser who traveled from New York City for the event.

A related exhibition, “Victorian Passions: Stories from the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection,” curated by Margaret D. Stetz, Mae and Robert Carter Professor of Women’s Studies and Professor of Humanities, continues on display in the Special Collections Gallery of Morris Library through June 3. Featuring nearly 100 signed books, autograph letters and manuscripts, original drawings and photographs related to such figures as Charles Dickens, George Eliot, William Morris, Beatrix Potter and Oscar Wilde, it is also available for viewing online.

As the symposium concluded, Samuels Lasner reflected on the event and the collection.

"This was a very special occasion for me and for the Mark Samuels Lasner Collection, but more important, the symposium fulfilled its promise to recognize the centrality of rare books, manuscripts and special collections to the library and to the University as we move forward. I was deeply touched by the presence of so many friends, members of my family, colleagues from across the University and representatives from the library, academic and collecting worlds," he said.

The Mark Samuels Lasner Collection gift to the University of Delaware has been featured on both NBC10 and WHYY.