Annals of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, A.D. 1598-A.D. 1867 / With a Preliminary Notice of the earlier Library founded in the Fourteenth Century

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Gutenberg ID

38317

Title

Annals of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, A.D. 1598-A.D. 1867 / With a Preliminary Notice of the earlier Library founded in the Fourteenth Century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Dunn Macray's *Annals of the Bodleian Library* chronicles the history of Oxford's great repository from 1598 to 1867. This scholarly work details the library's evolution from humble beginnings in St. Mary's Church to a magnificent institution, highlighting major benefactions, acquisitions, and the lives of its librarians. Rich in historical detail, it offers an intimate look at the growth of knowledge and the dedication of those who preserved it.

Summary up to 500 words

William Dunn Macray's *Annals of the Bodleian Library* chronicles the institution's evolution from its humble origins in the fourteenth century to its status as a premier repository of knowledge by 1867. The narrative begins with the early collections of Bishop Thomas Cobham and Duke Humphrey of Gloucester, detailing the transition from a vaulted chamber in St. Mary's Church to the magnificent Divinity School reading room. Macray documents the library's growth through significant benefactions, including the massive donation of manuscripts by Duke Humphrey and the later acquisition of the Mortara Italian collection. The text highlights the library's strict rules, the challenges of cataloging, and the enduring debate over whether books should be allowed to leave the building. Key figures such as the Puritan librarian John Rouse are featured, notably for his friendship with John Milton, who sent a replacement copy of his poems and a Latin ode after a volume was lost. Macray also records the library's response to the University Commission's suggestions regarding reader access and the establishment of a classified musical library. Through detailed accounts of specific acquisitions—such as the rare Mozarabic Breviary, Hungarian and Polish historical collections, and early printed works from the Royal Library at Munich—Macray paints a vivid portrait of an institution that served as a sanctuary for learning. He emphasizes the library's role as a haven for scholars, protected against political upheaval and the ravages of time, while noting the admiration of foreign visitors who marveled at its breadth. The work concludes by reflecting on the library's enduring legacy as a place where generations of scholars, described as 'grand and grave old bees,' have gathered wisdom to enrich their own understanding and that of others.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History