Luis Dobles Segreda Collection of Letras Patrias

Publications pertaining to, or published in, Costa Rica

Luis Dobles Segreda relied extensively on his personal library to compile the Indice Bibliográfico de Costa Rica (San José: Imprenta Lehman, 1927-36. 9 v. Z1451.D63 Hisp RR), a massive bibliography which ceased publication after nine of its projected twelve volumes were issued. The distinguished Costa Rican scholar and diplomat began his collection in 1910 in an attempt to bring together as many writings as possible on his native country. He acquired works published in Costa Rica, material written by Costa Ricans and printed abroad, and pertinent publications by foreigners. The collection is encyclopedic in scope and is of greater interest for the completeness of its coverage than for the rarity of its editions.

When the resulting collection was purchased by the Library of Congress in 1943, it contained over fifty-six hundred books and pamphlets issued between 1826 and the 1930s. Many of the monographic items that were bound separately were individually cataloged and incorporated into the general collections of the Library. The remaining 808 bound volumes (representing 3,845 items) have been microfilmed on 226 reels. An author and title index appears on reel 1 and a subject index appears on reels 1-2. The Indice uses the designation L.P. (Letras Patrias) followed by the bound volume number to indicate the respective bound volume in the collection. The microfilmed part of the collection is available to the public on microfilm in the Microform Reading Room, classed as Microfilm 94/6486 (F). The Hispanic Reading Room provides reference assistance for researchers wishing to use the material.

Hanke, Lewis. "The Luis Dobles Segreda Collection," Quarterly Journal of the Library of Congress, v. 1, January/March 1944: 57-62.