Eric Glasgow

The origins of the Library Association

Reviews the context of the establishment of rate‐supported public libraries in Great Britain leading up to the establishment of a Library Association in 1877. The major figures involved in the early profession are indicated and the topics discussed in early meetings described. The relationship of provincial public libraries with London libraries is indicated and its influence on the early profession discussed, together with other major issues confronting the first members.

Bootle’s first public library

Presents a short study, based on primary sources, of the origins in 1884‐1887 of the Public Library in Bootle, Merseyside, now part of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, but up to 1974 a separate borough, adjacent to Liverpool. Includes references to Liverpool’s own Victorian enthusiasm for public libraries, largely dependent on W.E. Gladstone and Sir James Picton, as well as to the more local generation of interest in such matters by Dr R. Tudor and others. The history is outlined up to the year 1901.

Scotland and the Encyclopaedia Britannica

The history of the Encyclopaedia Britannica from its inauguration in 1768 up to the ninth edition of 1888 is described. Its origins in Edinburgh during the Enlightenment are discussed and its early Edinburgh editors and contributors reviewed. Later editors and contributors and the gradual changing of the work are discussed. Its expansion from an Edinburgh to a global publication is also demonstrated.

The origins of the Home University Library

The publishing history of The Home University Library is described and discussed. Its publishing economics are considered in relation to contemporary publishing and educational developments and the production of certain titles noted. The place of the library and its significance within publishing and education are discussed.

The story of the London Library

The circumstances of the foundation of the London Library and the influence of Thomas Carlyle are described. The nature and importance of the library and of its collections are discussed and numerous famous members throughout its history are indicated. The influence of the library on the Victorian literary scene and on books written during the twentieth century are demonstrated.

An Anglo‐Greek library

A study based on the private papers of Frederick North, 5th Earl of Guilford, balances the popular image of Anglo‐Greek relations during the Greek War of Independence (1821‐32) with the promotion of the first university in Greece in modern times. It reveals the undercurrent of English concerns at that time about the classical heritage of Greece, but discloses the limitations, or unrealities, of English classicism of the time. Describes the building up of a library of rare and valuable volumes by Lord Guilford for his projected Ionian University at Corfu, ruining himself and earning little gratitude or recognition.

The origins of the Liverpool public libraries

Presents a short study of the evolution of public libraries in Liverpool, especially as a major contribution to the civic culture of the Victorian city. Provides a brief survey of the availability of reading materials before William Ewart and the idea of the public library emerged after 1850. Outlines Liverpool’s pioneering progress in this field, beginning in 1852, and culminating in its “Brown Library” (1860), and its “Picton Library” (1879). Also provides a history of Liverpool’s Branch Libraries, fostered by the generosity of Andrew Carnegie. Concludes with references to W.E. Gladstone as a promoter of the nation‐wide movement for public libraries.

St Deiniol’s Library, Hawarden

Outlines the history of St Deiniol’s Library, Hawarden, UK which celebrated its centenary in 1996. States how the library was essentially the product of the retirement, between 1894 and 1898, of the great Victorian statesman, W.E. Gladstone. Seeks to describe the last efforts of the “Grand Old Man” (GOM) ‐ liberated finally from the responsibilities of high political office ‐ to create at his beloved Hawarden a fitting memorial to those values of study and learning which had always been close to his life and his character. Today a recognized theological college of the Church of England, the Library (still containing 30,000 of Gladstone’s own books) nevertheless persists essentially as a reflection of Gladstone’s own mind and outlook. It is also a residential library: perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Still attracting readers from all over the world, it may help to remind us that Gladstone himself might have made a good librarian, as well as a good Prime Minister, or even a good Archbishop of Canterbury.

Contemporary Review: a Victorian episode

The influence of the early editors of Contemporary Review, on its establishment and development, is discussed. The friendship between its first editor, Henry Alford and Alfred Tennyson, is considered, and the impact of Tennyson illustrated. The intellectual background and circle of Victorian figures assembled around the second editor, J.T. Knowles, is also discussed. The subsequent history and influence of the title is considered.

Libraries in Sweden

Surveys the history of the major libraries of Sweden. The Royal Library in Stockholm, Uppsala and Lund University Libraries and the City and University Libraries of Gothenburg are featured. The development of public libraries in Sweden is also considered.