Remembering Morris Cohen

The law library world is shaken today with the sad news of Morris Cohen's passing. Morris (1927-2010) was a scholar, librarian, mentor, and friend to generations of law librarians and legal historians. Though I shall not attempt an obituary when others have done it so well, I did want to reflect for a minute on Morris' connections to to Boston College Law School and the Daniel R. Coquillette Rare Book Room.

Morris was an advisor, mentor, and an inspiration to many of us at the BC Law Library, including Sharon O'Connor, Mark Sullivan, and yours truly. Back in 1998, when I had just begun my professional love affair with rare books, we mounted an exhibit of Morris' children's law books entitled "Law & Order Made Amusing." Later, Morris lent his books to our 2002 exhibit, "Collectors on Collecting."

Over the years, Morris generously with us shared his passion for, and expertise in, historical and rare law books. I will always be grateful for his keen enthusiasm and wise advice. In 2008, we hosted an event, "Celebrating Morris Cohen," in which we honored Morris' life, work and friendship. Today, we miss him already.