Magdalene Library News
Library News
Gabriel Harvey
Gabriel Harvey’s annotated volume of poetry by James VI and Du Bartas offers insights into literary circles, faith, and scholarship in late 16th-century Britain.
Magdalene’s Magna Carta
Magdalene’s 14th-century pocket-sized manuscript of Magna Carta reveals its practical legal use long after 1215, highlighting its enduring role in English statutory tradition.
Etiquette and Conduct
Magdalene College Old Library holds important works on social etiquette, including Castiglione’s Il Libro del Cortegiano and Brathwait’s The English Gentlewoman, reflecting 16th-17th century ideals of conduct
Pepys’ Trade Cards
Pepys collected 17th-century trade cards, an early form of advertising. These cards, often depicting shops and maritime themes, offer valuable insights into commerce and social history.
Collecting Texts
In April, a paper on Pepys’ book collection was presented at the ‘Collecting Texts & Manuscripts, 1660-1860’ conference at Plymouth University, exploring his unique library organisation and influences.
The Aldine Press
2015 marks the 500th anniversary of Aldus Manutius' death. His Aldine Press revolutionised printing with innovations like smaller books, italic type, and the semicolon. Magdalene holds key works.
Dante
This rare 1629 miniature edition of La Divina Comedìa is the only copy in Oxbridge colleges. Published in Venice by Niccolò Misserini, it includes Dante’s life and microscopic italics.
Henry VIII’s Assertio
This blog explores Tudor history in the College's special collections, featuring Henry VIII's Assertio septem sacrameto and references to Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Erasmus, Froben and Holbein
This commentary by Erasmus on the New Testament, published by Johannes Froben and embellished with woodcuts by Hans Holbein the younger, is a culmination of the talents of scholar, printer and illustrator.
Pepys’ Broadside Ballads
Pepys collected 1,800 broadside ballads, offering insight into 17th-century life. His collection, a valuable scholarly resource, is available online through the English Broadside Ballad Archive.
Penny Merriments
Pepys collected unique chapbooks, small popular publications from the 17th century. His collection, including rare titles like ‘The Gentlewomans Delight in Cookery’, offers insight into the period.
Rembrandt Prints
Pepys collected prints, drawings, and etchings, including works by Rembrandt. His collection offers rare early impressions, shedding light on 17th-century print collecting practices.