This collection consists of complete letters, documents, and manuscript books from all over Europe, Latin America, and the Islamic world. Although the collection is particularly strong in items from the 16th and 17th centuries, examples are included from the early 15th century into the 20th century. From letters to tally books, archeological reports to war statistics, and Inquisition warrants to legal battles, these items are excellent paleographic examples illustrating the development of handwriting. Some pieces were collected by Professor Lloyd Reynolds and used in his teaching (1929-1969); most are gifts from Steven Herold, Reed class of '63.