Medieval and Renaissance Libraries. By J. W. Clark. (Mac- millan
and Bowes, Cambridge.)—Mr. Clark begins with the Roman libraries, as the models after which medieval and even modern libraries were more or less shaped. These consisted either of a book-closet (as found at Herculaneum), or of a chamber set apart for the purpose, such as Cicero describes. Monastic libraries are to be found in the 'Benedictine houses. They were for many ages
of the closet type ; it was comparatively late that rooms which should accommodate both books and their readers were con- structed. Resemblances to them may be found, Mr. Clark thinks. in some of the College libraries,—in that of Merton, for instance. Much interesting information is given about these and other matters. There are a few illustrations, but many have had of necessity to be omitted.
Previous page
