- The printed collections of the National Library of Scotland comprise over 14 million items, and the library is open to all.
- The earliest item in the library's collection of rare books is a Gutenburg Bible of 1455. Among its special collections are books on such diverse topics as mountaineering, witchcraft, beekeeping and baking!
- The library's manuscript collections (items from which I saw on a special visit today) begin with a letter, written on papyrus, dating from around the sixth century.
Shown here are three of the allegorical figures which decorate the building's otherwise austere façade. Designed and carved by Hew Lorimer (of Kellie Castle) between 1950 and 1955, the full seven represent Medicine, Science, History, Poetry, Law, Theology and Music.
Was the Gutenburg bible paper or vellum (the latter being much rarer)? Your second daughter saw a (paper) Gutenburg last weekend, though I suspect it was not the highlight of the visit (perhaps because her companion only had two legs?).
Posted by: Lindsay | 15 July 2011 at 08:06 PM
What a coincidence that you should mention Hew Lorimer and show these carvings as my sister made her once a year visit today and talked of him, having been to Hill of Tarvit yesterday.
Posted by: B R Wombat | 15 July 2011 at 10:21 PM
I didn't actually see the bible as I was there to look at other, more recent papers, but as for last weekend's visit, I don't think Miss H. could have had a better companion!
Posted by: Cornflower | 16 July 2011 at 11:27 AM