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How did George Arents’s collections at the New York Public Library show the range of subject collecting?

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George Arents’s collections at the New York Public Library demonstrate the vast range of subject collecting by focusing on two distinct and specialized areas: one collection is dedicated to books on tobacco, while the other consists of books issued in serial parts (daily, weekly, or monthly).1

These collections highlight how subject-based collecting can move beyond simple accumulation to provide significant historical insight into society and human endeavor. Furthermore, the publication of catalogs for these collections demonstrates that such focused efforts can offer research value that extends well beyond the initial limitations of the chosen subject.1