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ForewordThe National Library of Canada is the federal institution responsible for collecting, preserving and promoting Canada's published heritage. As part of this mandate, the National Library has built up over the years an impressive collection of rare books, acquired by purchase or gift. A wide range of publications are represented in the Rare Book Collection. There are a great number of pre-Confederation Canadian imprints (1752-1867) and many early books on Canada and North America published elsewhere in the 16th century or later. The collection also contains some 600 works written in over 50 Native languages and dialects, the earliest of which is a book of prayers in Montagnais published in Quebec City in 1767. Canadian limited editions, livres d'artistes and fine editions from other countries are also found. Lastly, there are some examples of incunabula, or works dating from the earliest days of printing. In short, the Rare Book Collection of the National Library of Canada is a real treasure, one that in the final analysis belongs to all Canadians. The National Library, acting as it were as their steward, conscientiously goes about its task of bringing together and preserving the publications that are part of the national heritage. In addition, the National Library is always eager to take advantage of opportunities to make this collective heritage better known to Canadians. The year 1992 was an ideal time to take advantage of such an opportunity, being without question a vintage year: the 500th anniversary of the official discovery of America, the 350th anniversary of the founding of Montreal, the 200th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of Vancouver Island and the 125th anniversary of Confederation. The National Library prepared an exhibition of works from its Rare Book Collection entitled "Passages: A Treasure Trove of North American Exploration". The books on this site are accounts of North American voyages and explorations from the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by Christopher Columbus in 1492 to the famous trip through the Northwest Passage by Roald Amundsen in 1905. We hope this site will arouse your interest in discovering the rare gems of the National Library of Canada. 
Marianne Scott
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