Collectors and Readers

Manuscripts in Czech Libraries of the Rudolfine Period

By (author) Lenka Veselá By (author) Jindřich Marek

Extent: 525 pages

Publisher: Brepols Publishers

Series: Bibliologia

Series volume number: 73

Language: English

Hardback (Forthcoming)

(May 2026)

ISBN: 9782503617985

Price: $119.00

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Synopsis
Contributing Authors

“Collectors and Readers” uncovers the overlooked yet vital role of manuscripts in Czech libraries during the Rudolfine era, examining how these cherished texts shaped intellectual pursuits, social status, and cultural identity in early modern Central Europe, and offering fresh perspectives on the enduring importance of handwritten works in an age of increasing print production.

Collectors and Readers: Manuscripts in Czech Libraries of the Rudolfine Period explores the often-overlooked role of manuscripts during a time of media transition. Focusing on the reign of Emperor Rudolf II, this study examines eight personal libraries from various social backgrounds, from royalty to wealthy citizens. Authors Lenka Veselá and Jindřich Marek, building on existing scholarship in early modern book history, investigate the continued importance of manuscripts in an era increasingly dominated by print. They consider how these texts functioned not only as sources of knowledge but also as objects of cultural significance and social prestige. By looking at collecting practices, reading habits, and the physical features of manuscripts, the book aims to provide insights into the intellectual world of the Rudolfine period. It explores the relationship between manuscripts and printed books, offering a perspective on the cultural and social aspects of book collecting. “Collectors and Readers” seeks to contribute to our understanding of early modern book history by reassessing the place of manuscripts in the changing media landscape of 16th and 17th century Central Europe. It may be of interest to scholars and readers curious about the enduring influence of manuscript culture.

By (author) Lenka Veselá
By (author) Jindřich Marek

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