Cathedral Libraries Catalogue : Foreword

Cathedral Libraries Catalogue

FOREWORD

In the Preface to his Notes on the Cathedral Libraries of England published in 1849, Beriah Botfield wrote that whereas `the History and Antiquities of the Cathedral Churches of England have been so often described and so profusely illustrated ... little or no mention occurs of the literary treasures contained within its precincts'. What Botfield sought to remedy, Miss Hands developed in detail. I have the honour and pleasure, on behalf of cathedral deans, chapters and librarians, to voice gratitude to all who have made possible the completion of the invaluable pioneering labours of Miss Hands. The collections of books in cathedral libraries have a special relationship with the place where they are and tell a story distinctive of the continuing community of each cathedral over the centuries. For many years to come, scholars will value the great assistance that they find for their researches from this Catalogue.

SYDNEY EVANS

Chairman of the Cathedral
Librarians' Conference

Dean of Salisbury

Salisbury
31st January 1984

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