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Rare Book and Manuscript Collection Introduction The Rare Book and Manuscript Collection contains over 7000 early printed books, and approximately 200 Manuscripts. The collection reflects the educational and personal interstes of barristers spanning the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries. As to be expected, this includes early legal texts, both in manuscript and early printed formats. More importantly, however, as an institution which up to the mid-nineteenth century was responsible for providing an all-round gentleman's education, the collection covers a range of subjects, including theology, literature, maps, history, medicine, and significant works on travel and early exploration. The collection still holds the majority of the books listed in its earliest printed catalogue, dated 1700. See the Highlights section for some examples. News As of January 2007, we have implemented a book sponsorship scheme, whereby patrons can sponsor a book in need of conservation. Please refer to the Book Sponsorship page for more details, or contact the Rare Books Librarian. Early Printed Books Many of the books were donated by previous members, as indicated by our archival records, and the books' inscriptions, bookplates, and bindings. The earliest such donation would be the Ashley  bequeath, which re-established the library in 1641. We have managed to identify a large majority of the original bequest to create the Ashley Collection, which can be searched in the catalogue. Robert Ashley's will, which established the bequeath, is depicted to the right. See the Early Printed Books, and the Highlights sections for more information.Manuscripts The manuscript portion of our collection consists mostly of legal texts, acts, and reports, including a manuscript copy of drafts of acts passed during 1652-3, a crucial period in English Parliamentary history. In addition, we have some non-legal texts, including a MS copy of Luis Pacheco de Narvaez's Libro delas grandecas dela espada [ca. 1600], an early work on fencing, complete with illustrations, and John Lathbury's Commentary on Lamentations [ca. 1406]. See the Manuscripts section for further details. Access and Use Access is by appointment only. Please contact the Rare Books Librarian for further details, or to make an appointment. The majority of the collection is catalogued, and details can be seen on our online catalogue. Due the fragile nature of some of the items, please consult our Access and Use section for viewing guidelines. |