More than 40,000 items that Romaine collected and which are arranged along the lines of his published guide. Primarily 19th and early 20th century American trade and advertising literature, with large sections relating to subjects such as agriculture, architecture, booksellers, building materials, department stores, electrical equipment, hardware, printers' supplies, scientific and industrial instruments, and seed catalogs. Also, related records for Romaine's bookselling business, Weathercock House.

Lawrence B. Romaine (1900-1967) was an antiquarian book dealer, who bought and sold rare books, manuscripts, trade catalogs, and other Americana. Romaine was recognized as the leading expert in the U.S. on trade catalogs, and was the author of A Guide to American Trade Catalogs, 1774-1900 (New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1960), the standard reference work in this field.

ca. 525.4 linear feet (about 1171 boxes and 1 map drawer)

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

PART OF COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.