This comprehensive volume, first published in 1864, covers the history of libraries from classical times to the nineteenth century, principally in England but also further afield. The author was an influential figure in the founding of municipal libraries in nineteenth-century Britain and regarded access to good libraries as crucial to education and civilisation. He emphasises the importance of individual collectors in the building of great libraries, and examines the personal holdings of many writers and scholars as well as members of royal families, the aristocracy, and clergy. Some of these are well known, othersless commonly encountered in surveys of library history. Edwards also discusses the subsequent history of these collections, their dispersal or incorporation into other libraries. Other important topics covered by Edwards include thedevelopment and organisation of the State Paper Office and Public Records Office from the medieval period onwards. INDICE: 1. Introductory - the ancient libraries of Egypt, of Judaea, of Greece, and of the Roman Empire; 2. Introductory - mediaeval and modern libraries; 3. Of some libraries of monasteries abroad; 4. Of some libraries of monasteries at home; 5. Concerning the libraries of some famous authors, of various periods; 6. Concerning the libraries of some celebrated monarchs and royal personages, of various periods; 7. History of the old royal library of the kings of England; 8. History of the State Paper Office; 9. History of the Public Records; 10. The life of Thomas Parker, Earl of Macclesfield; 11. The life of Charles Spencer, third Earl of Sunderland; 12. The public life of George John, second Earl Spencer; Appendices.
- ISBN: 978-1-108-01052-8
- Editorial: Cambridge University
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 540
- Fecha Publicación: 01/04/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés