Copies are available direct from Durham University. See details below.
The historic core of the collection, which consists of over seventy thousand rare books and manuscripts printed before 1850, is the library assembled by John Cosin, bishop of Durham (1660-72) and the more recent deposit of the library from Bamburgh Castle.
The collection ranges from late antique papyri to modern literary manuscripts, as well as embracing substantial archival and photographic materials. The medieval manuscripts include the best-preserved service-book produced in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, and a collection of the works of Thomas Hoccleve that was transcribed by the poet himself; while amongst the modern literary manuscripts are extracts from Kilvert’s Diary and letters of Gerard Manley Hopkins.
The incunabula include one of only four complete copies of William Caxton’s Doctrine to learn French and English, while the early printed books range from rare tracts printed by Wynkyn de Worde to the unique copy of Thomas More’s first assault on Martin Luther. Highly resonant, "personalised" items include the heavily-annotated Durham Book that lies behind the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and the tiny booklet of his poems that W. H. Auden presented to his fiancée. Among the archival treasures are key documents relating to the great Reform Bill of 1832, currency issued and signed by Gordon of Khartoum, the sword of the last Sultan of Darfur, the actual flag (in fact a pillowcase) of the insurgent White Flag League, and historic photographs of the Sudan that are no less remarkable for their beauty than for their documentary importance.
The book is edited by Richard Gameson, Professor of the History of the Book at Durham University. He has published numerous studies of medieval manuscripts, illumination, and book collections.
In his foreword, Bill Bryson writes: ‘‘Surprisingly few people, including many within the university itself, are aware of just how extensive and diverse the University Library’s holdings. This is clearly a collection worth knowing. It is a very real joy to welcome here such a handsome and readable survey.’’
Copies of the book, priced £9.99 (plus p&p) are available direct from The Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RN. For further information phone: 0191 334 2932 or
E-mail: pg.library@durham.ac.uk