Out of the cradle of print
Printed books in ºÚÁÏÍø Library, 1450–1650
11 March 2020
ºÚÁÏÍø has been collecting books since its foundation in 1348, and now holds around 25,000 early (pre-1801) printed books in its Lower Library. Until recently, however, the paper slips pasted into the Library guardbooks were the only means of searching the collection.
Fifteen years ago the College Library staff began a project to create a detailed, electronic catalogue record for every book, working forwards from the earliest. The project is ongoing, but this exhibition marks a milestone: all the College's books published from 1450, when printing was 'in the cradle', to 1650 are now findable worldwide in .
From the Catholic altar book that , to another volume , and to the navigation manual of one (really the Caian mathematician and sometime pirate Edward Wright), we have selected some of the most memorable books we have met in the course of our work.
