1. Yongle dadian (24 volumes) Reference (shelfmark): Yongle dadian (24 volumes) Title: Yongle dadian 永樂大典 Scope & Content: Chinese imperial encyclopaedia, commissioned by the Yongle Emperor and completed in 1408. This is the second manuscript edition (Jiajing to Longqing period 1562-72). The volumes are unique and notable for preserving texts not extant elsewhere. Collection Area: Oriental Manuscripts Languages: Chinese Date Range: 1562-1572 Extent: 24 volumes