Magdalene Library News
Library News
Sator Squares
A sator square, an ancient 2D palindrome, was found in a 15th century Magdalene incunable. Its meaning is still debated, from clever wordplay to Christian symbol.
Incunabula Season
Magdalene’s Incunabula Season celebrates 42 early printed books in the Pepys and Old Libraries, with blog posts, an exhibition, and a project announcement to come.
Magdalene College and MEI
Magdalene College has added its Pepys and Old Library incunabula to the MEI database, enabling research into the material history, ownership, and interpretation of these 15th-century texts.
Dorothea Richards
Dorothy Pilley, pioneering climber and sharp observer, defied convention with courage and wit. Her legacy is vividly explored by Dan Richards in Climbing Days.
Samuel Pepys and Hans Sloane
Hans Sloane lent rare books and scientific instruments to Samuel Pepys, visited him regularly, and later performed the autopsy after Pepys’s death in 1703.
Charles Kingsley
The 12th June 2019 is the 200th anniversary of Charles Kingsley’s birth. To mark the occasion, Dr. Gareth Atkins, Fellow of Queens’ College Cambridge, has written an article for Magdalene College Libraries’ blog.
John Herbert Butler Hollings (1887—1914)
Lieutenant J.H.B. Hollings, admitted to Magdalene in 1906, was killed in action at Messines in 1914. His grave was formally identified in 1992, nearly 80 years later.
Map of Rome Part 2
The Pepys Library's 1625 Map of Rome by Maggi and Maupin is now digitised and available via CASVA’s Accademia di San Luca project.
Mary Astell
Magdalene holds books by Mary Astell and from her own library, shedding light on her literary circle, feminist legacy, and connection to the College.
Courtship with the Ferrars
Reverend Thomas Ferrar’s 1690s courtship notes reveal his efforts to win Martha Goddard’s heart, blending poetry, prayer, and planning in pursuit of marriage.
Bah Humbug!
The College Library's collection includes several Christmas stories by Charles Dickens, such as A Christmas Carol and The Chimes. These festive tales reflect the growing commercialisation of Christmas in the 1840s.
Magdalene and the Great War - Armistice Centenary
On the centenary of the Armistice, we honour and remember the brave Magdalene Members who served in the Great War, those who returned, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.