Book collection donated by Bogusław Radziwiłł to the Library in Königsberg
Book collection donated by Bogusław Radziwiłł to the Library in Königsberg

Summary/Abstract: In 1668 B. Radziwiłł, a representative of a prominent magnate family from the Grand Duchyof Lithuania, donated his book collection to Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg,and obliged him to donate them to the electoral library in Königsberg. Radziwiłł, who wasan influential politician and military officer, was a patron of culture and science. His donationwas intended to supply the library with books that were unique and sometimes first editions.The book collection consisted of works on a wide variety of subjects, including the humanities,theology, law, history, philosophy, geography, astronomy, mathematics and physics, which re-flected the wide interests and education of Radziwiłł himself. Many of the items listed in the in-ventory were most likely acquired by the prince during his many years abroad. Of the 449 itemsincluded in the inventory compiled by M.S. Grabe, 39 have survived to our times and arehoused in the Library of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

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