The Harry Ransom Center released one of the largest collections of “comedias sueltas,” individually-printed Spanish plays. The goal is to help researches better understand the history of printing in Spain and also to reveal the interests of everyday Spanish readers during the time period when they were written.

“Acquired during the 1920s and 1930s, the collection today exceeds more than 15,000 plays and includes over 2,500 Spanish authors, according to Madelin Sutherland-Meier, associate professor in Spanish and Portuguese. While most of the collection dates back to the mid-19th century, some plays, like one by playwright Juan de la Cueva, can be traced back to the 17th century.”

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