The twenty-six books in this exhibit represent but a small sampling of Norman B. Smith's library, a choice collection of the most significant and most influential books of many nations, dating originally from before the Classical Age through the twentieth century.Included are such well-known titles as The Wealth of Nations and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Also included are lesser known but highly influential works such as James Harrington's Oceana and Juliana Berners' Treatyse of Fysshynge. Important religious texts include the Geneva Bible, The Koran, a 1435 Book of Hours, and an Armenian Gospel of St. Mark from the seventeenth century. Important political texts include a 1556 printing of the Magna Charta, Hobbes' Leviathan, and Rousseau's Social Contract.
Choosing representative titles from among so many gems was a difficult task. The only guiding principle behind the choices for this exhibit was to show the wide spectrum of Norman Smith's library, representing the best thoughts of the best thinkers and writers through the ages.
- William K. Finley
Collector's Talk and Reception
October 19th, 2010
4 -6 PM
No comments:
Post a Comment