Seminars

CAM-12 ~ "The History of the Book and the Libraries at Cambridge" with Donald Davis

This seminar will provide a brief overview of the history of the book in ancient, medieval, and modern times. Among topics considered will be the role of books in society, the materials available for writing and printing, the techniques employed in production of books, preservation and repositories for books, and literacy and the use of books. Visits to tour buildings and to view book collections of noteworthy and world famous Cambridge libraries are being scheduled, as possible—including the Wren Library at Trinity College, Pepys Library at Magdalene College, and King's College Library. The result will be a renewed appreciation of the written cultural record of the human race. [A modest course fee per person will apply to cover the cost of library tours.]

Donald Davis taught at the University of Texas at Austin from 1971 to 2006, in the School of Information and Department of History.  He is now Professor Emeritus of Library History. A native Texan, but educated at UCLA, UC-Berkeley, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he has taught courses on the history of archives, books, and libraries, in addition to worldwide consulting and professional activity. Editor of Libraries & Culture (quarterly, University of Texas Press) since 1977, he has produced, in addition to numerous articles, chapters, reviews, etc., several volumes including American Library History: A Comprehensive Guide to the Literature (1989), Encyclopedia of Library History (1994), and Dictionary of American Library Biography, 2nd Supplement (2003).

 

 

© 2008 C.S. Lewis Foundation The C.S. Lewis Foundation is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, donor supported 501(c)3 corporation.