Exhibit: Poison Books

The exhibit “Poison Books: Uncovering the Toxic Hues of 19th Century Books” is now on display in the Archival Collections reading room on the third floor of Raynor Library.

Within the last decade, conservators at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware have discovered that certain pigments used in Victorian book bindings contain dangerous levels of arsenic and lead. Using identification tips developed by the museum's Poison Book Project, Raynor Library has found a number of these potentially toxic (but beautifully designed) books and put them in special care.

In the current exhibit, these books are on display—safely enclosed in cases—along with more about the fascinating history and identification of poison Victorian books.

Visit the Exhibit

Who can visit? The exhibit is open to the Marquette community during the library's regular visitor hours. 

Dates: Through spring 2027.

Location: Archival Collections Reading Room, Raynor Library 3rd Floor.