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Which kinds of books and book-related objects suit a cabinet collection?

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View a tutorial on the safe handling of rare books, manuscripts, and prints by the staff of the Folger Shakespeare Library — book collecting A tutorial from the staff of the Folger Shakespeare Library on the safe handling of rare books, manuscripts, and prints.

A cabinet collection is a style of book collecting intentionally limited to a small, curated group of choice specimens, where each item is considered the best obtainable of its type. This approach is particularly attractive for collectors with limited space or resources.1

The following types of books and book-related objects are well-suited for a cabinet collection:

Illuminated manuscripts: Historically significant and highly prized for their artistry.1
Bookbindings: Fine or unique examples of the craft.1
Publishing styles and fine printing: Books selected for their aesthetic production quality.1
Book illustration: Works focused on the visual artistry within the volume.1
Specialized physical forms: This includes miniature books, pop-up books, atlases, fine bindings, comic books, and livres d’artistes (art books).1

While a cabinet collection may be based on a specific author or subject, the primary goal is to acquire the highest quality specimens available, sometimes even replacing existing items if a superior example is found.1