The Texas A&M University Libraries added another rare new world volume to its Colonial Mexican Collection with help from some very special donors.   A lead gift provided by Barbara and Dan Clinton ’52 of Houston was matched by members of the Mayo Circle, a newly formed group of contributors who support the acquisiton of rare and special items for the Cushing Library. The volume,  Arte Mexicana Compvesta Por El Padre Antonio Del Rincon,  is the first published work by a mestizo (mixed European and Native American ancestry) in the new world and the first published indigenous-language work by a native speaker. The author, Antonio del Rincón (1556-1601), was a native of Texcoco and a descendant of the nobility there. Printed in 1595, this important Aztec grammar, reflects the language as it was spoken during the post-Conquest period. 

The Arte Mexicana joins the University Libraries’ growing collection of Mexican incunables, early books printed in Mexico beginning in 1539.  The Colonial Mexican Collection which is housed in the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives currently contains 18 incunables.

“Through the generosity of the Clintons and the Mayo Circle, we were able to acquire this essential research tool for understanding the native language of Mexico.  This volume represents a significant addition to our Colonial Mexican Collection, a major focus of our collecting efforts over the last several years,” explained David Chapman, Director of the Cushing Library and University Archivist.  The Clintons have previously contributed toward acquisitions in the Colonial Mexican Collection. The Mayo Circle is named for Thomas Mayo, the first director of the Cushing Library.