A man from Prince Edward Island, Rev. Edward Rix, has a unique passion for collecting books that narrate the island’s story. Having accumulated over 2,000 items, including books, magazines, and stationery relating to P.E.I., Rix attributes his love for books to his grandmother, who was an enthusiastic reader. His collection, influenced by his childhood interest in comic books and later exposure to rare bookstores in Halifax, now features a significant focus on literature about Prince Edward Island, spanning back to the 18th century and encompassing works by notable P.E.I. authors.
Among his prized possessions are rare editions of P.E.I. poet Milton Acorn’s “In Love and Anger” and first-edition novels by P.E.I. fiction author Basil King from as early as 1909. Rix’s collection also includes historic letters and stationery printed on P.E.I. throughout the years. Despite the vastness of his collection, Rix does not actively collect works by Lucy Maud Montgomery, citing the abundance of existing collections and his preference for sourcing unique items from his native western Prince Edward Island.
While Rix plans to eventually donate his collection to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), he continues to expand it and hopes to provide a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking insights into P.E.I.’s literary history. His recent talk at UPEI’s Robertson Library shed light on his collection and the efforts behind curating it for future generations.