Notes On The Cathedral Libraries Of England - Softcover

Beriah Botfield

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0461460610 ISBN 13: 9780461460612

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

Notes On The Cathedral Libraries Of England by Beriah Botfield. This 1849 survey describes the cathedral libraries attached to English church institutions (Dean and Chapter libraries), aiming to reveal their literary riches beyond what is widely known. Botfield explains that he has examined the catalogues and volumes in each library, notes the difficulties of precise cataloguing, and openly invites corrections. The work blends historical narrative with detailed bibliographic inventories, highlighting the scholarly value of the holdings and the importance of accurate catalogues and ongoing care funded by cathedral chapters. Preface and framing themes emphasize that cathedral libraries preserve a blend of medieval scholastic and patristic works alongside antiquarian and classical material, illuminating centuries of English ecclesiastical culture and the essential role of careful preservation. The text references key cataloguers (Somner, Wanley, Strype) and cataloguing efforts (1743, 1802) and foregrounds the value of manuscript material and printed editions in biblical, patristic, ecclesiastical history, and antiquarian literature. Part 1 surveys Bristol, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Chichester, and Durham, noting losses from fires and repairs, the growth of collections, and strict borrowing rules. The broader local summaries cover Hereford, Lambeth Palace, Lincoln, Peterborough, Ripon, Rochester, Salisbury, Wells, Westminster, Winchester, Windsor, York Minster, and Worcester, highlighting a spectrum of biblical philology, patristics, ecclesiastical history, classical authors, and early printing. The book underscores preservation challenges and the central value of cataloguing and donor-supported acquisitions in preserving England’s ecclesiastical heritage for scholars.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0461460610
• ISBN 13: 9780461460612
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 556