The Huntington and Princeton University Press Publish Five-Volume Work Exploring History of Science Collections

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Published by Princeton University Press in association with The Huntington, Worlds Unfolding: Science on the Page is the first major publication devoted to the Huntington Library’s collections in the history of science, medicine, and technology. 
• The five-volume slipcase set features more than 630 images of items spanning the 10th century B.C. to the present, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, scientific illustrations, botanical specimens, photographs, and archival materials. 
• With an introduction by Bill Nye “the Science Guy,” the publication presents science not as a fixed body of knowledge but as an ongoing enterprise: collaborative, contested, imaginative, and alive. 
• The five volumes are organized around five realms of human inquiry—Worlds Above, Worlds Below, Worlds Within, Worlds Beyond, and Worlds Alive—to draw connections across disciplines, cultures, and time. 
• Worlds Unfolding coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Burndy Library’s arrival at The Huntington. The publication will be available Oct. 13, 2026, at the Huntington Store, from Princeton University Press, and through online distributors. 

Published by Princeton University Press in association with The Huntington, Worlds Unfolding: Science on the Page is designed for readers within and beyond the sciences, pairing vivid images with concise texts that explore the history of science through questions, comparisons, and unexpected juxtapositions. Images of medieval maps, botanical specimens, scientific instruments, lightbulbs, anatomical drawings, X-ray photographs, rare books, and archival documents are accompanied by extended captions that show how scientific knowledge has been recorded, shared, and challenged across time and place. The publication will be available Oct. 13, 2026, at the Huntington Store, from Princeton University Press, and through online distributors. 
 
“At The Huntington, we see every day how collections are catalysts for discovery,” said Sandra Brooke Gordon, Avery Director of the Library at The Huntington. “Worlds Unfolding brings that idea to life for curious readers of all ages, using the Huntington Library’s collections to illuminate the many ways humans have observed, questioned, imagined, and pursued knowledge.” 

The Huntington’s history of science collection is one of the largest and most important in North America. Its materials primarily document Western practices and theories in science, medicine, technology, and related fields. Highlights include the largest collection of Isaac Newton materials outside the United Kingdom; the records of Southern California’s Mount Wilson Observatory; books and archives focused on women’s health and cardiovascular surgery; landmark publications in natural history; and oral histories related to the aerospace industry. 

“Science is the history of science,” said Daniel Lewis, Dibner Senior Curator for the History of Science and Technology at The Huntington and co-author of Worlds Unfolding. “It has a deep history that runs right up to the present day—one that remains relevant to our present and our future endeavors.” 

Inside

Themes Explored in Worlds Unfolding 

• Worlds Above: astronomy, aviation, and aerospace engineering 
• Worlds Below: geology, mining, and oceanography 
• Worlds Within: anatomy, medicine, mathematics, and electricity 
• Worlds Beyond: exploration, global encounters, science fiction, and outer space 
• Worlds Alive: natural history, zoology, botany, ecosystems, and human impact 

The Huntington Library’s History of Science Holdings 

Henry E. Huntington’s foundational collection was rich in portolan charts and other cartographic treasures; sumptuous hand-colored books of natural history; works on the technology of flight; and more than 600 medical items printed in the 15th century. Landmark acquisitions have followed during the century since his death, including major collections in the history of obstetrics and medicine, astronomy, evolution, aerospace, and science fiction. The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of a transformational gift: Bern Dibner’s history of science library, comprising 47,000 rare books, 50 archival manuscript collections, and hundreds of scientific instruments—including a trove of historic lightbulbs and electrostatic machines.  

“At the heart of Worlds Unfolding is the Burndy Library, the landmark collection that transformed The Huntington into one of the nation’s most significant collections in the history of science, medicine, and technology,” said Joel A. Klein, Molina Curator for the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences at The Huntington and co-author of Worlds Unfolding. “The publication draws deeply from these holdings to demonstrate the global exchange of ideas that shaped scientific knowledge over hundreds of years.” 

About the Authors

For press inquiries or to request high-resolution press images, email huntingtonnews@huntington.org. 

About The Huntington 

The Huntington, a world-renowned cultural and educational institution, provides transformative experiences for a community of the curious. Founded in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, it supports research and promotes public engagement through its expansive library, art, and botanical collections. By cultivating dynamic scholarship, creating innovative programs for students and lifelong learners, and sharing its extraordinary resources, The Huntington invites all on a journey of discovery, insight, and connection. Only 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles, The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California. Learn more at huntington.org.

Generous support for Worlds Unfolding: Science on the Page is provided by Mario and Therese Molina, Wendy Munger and Leonard L. Gumport, the Rothenberg Family, the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Science Initiative, Charles and Valerie Elachi, The Francis Bacon Foundation, the John Brockway Huntington Foundation, and Melvin R. Seiden and Janine Luke.