Rare Books at Marlborough College

It was a local secret, until now: Marlborough College holds an important and significant collection of rare books and manuscripts ranging in date from the fifteenth century to modern times.

Rare Books will be more than just a talk – there will be an opportunity to examine and handle the books. This is a unique opportunity to witness them under the expert and scholarly guidance of Dr Simon McKeown.

Among its many treasures are the Marlborough College Book of Hours, a medieval illuminated manuscript, exemplars of fine early printing by Aldus, Froben and Plantin, rich holdings of literary, theological and historical works from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, and many important mathematical and scientific works from the Renaissance to the Victorian era. Among the latter stand Newton’s Principia Mathematica, early alchemy books, hand-painted Victorian zoological guides, and first editions of Darwin’s works.

Other particular strengths of the collection include antiquarian volumes on Wiltshire, a wealth of Arts & Crafts books inspired by William Morris, and fine press books of the twentieth century, including many items from the Marlborough College Press.

Places are limited to fifteen, so book early to avoid disappointment