The library V.S. The Collection

So, I have been reading this book "The Library: A Fragile History", by Andrew Pettegree, and Arthur der Weduwen. I have been reading it for the purpose of expanding my knowledge of the history of libraries as a whole.  But I have found that early library history is very intermingled with the history of bookselling and collecting. 

Is the Library of Alexandria really all that great?

When we think of early historical libraries many people would think of the library of Alexandira. Though this creation that was influenced by the death of Alexander The Great is important, it lacks in longevity and survival through history. Also to answer the burning question, yes there was a fire caused by Julies Ceaser (of course). But that fire didn't mark the end of the library but merely burned part of the collection most likely. What truly was the worst enemy to The Library of Alexandria, and no doubt most libraires is the decline of care. Which even in modern day is still a prominent enemy to books. We lose many collections to factors such as: fire, flooding, improper storage, and having to decide between texts as storage was limited. 

So, if problems such as these plagued even some of the most prominent libraries of all time, what has been historically the most preserving of library history through time? The answer is book collectors. Yes, while there are the public, large, and supported collections held by libraries. Throughout history, the privately curated collection of books by often working people, or religious foundations have offered some of the most complete looks back in time.

Many professional figures would buy, sell, and trade books to curate collections. This was at a period where books had to be transcribed often due to being stored on papyrus. So, this meant having a book collection at this time required not only a lot of time but often the employment or enslavement of those who could write to transcribe and abridge works. This also caused editing and loss of material from this time as resources was limited in carrying on the canon of works. 

Though the Romans fell short in developing the institutional library. They did excel in furthering the bookselling trade at the time. In order for a prominent professional or political person to further a library they needed the ability to access these books. So something that grew was the selling of books at auction, which has survived even into current times. 

What was a Library really in ancient times?

To better understand why personal book collections were more important at this time you must understand what libraries looked like at this time, who it served and the purpose to the public. 

The most prominent libraries in ancient times were those placed by emperors, often placed in temples or palaces. This meant that literacy and books were withheld by the elite. Even though these libraries caused more access to books to those such as Cicero, it didn't mean the townspeople were able to access this luxury.  A library being established at this time was more to further promote the symbol of those who erected them. Townspeople and commonfolk were expected to just behold the excellence of the library by its creator rather than take part in using it. 

The Need of Booksellers

Looking back to even ancient times we see that there was this hunger and drive to build a collection of books. Even at a time where books more resembled scrolls and required quite a deal of care to maintain. We have come a long way and now have the ability for anyone to have a library of books. But I argue any collection of books is worthwhile. It is said that to have a collection worthy of the title of library you need 1,000 books, which would make any ancient collector faint at the sheer volume you were able to obtain. But that doesn't mean a small collection of books is forfeit in comparison. Any collection of books as long as it serves a purpose to you or has meaning to you is just as worthwhile as the grandest of libraries. 

Build that collection you book dragon 

No matter what it is you collect, just do it. No matter if you collect books from the handpress era, vampire smut, magazine ads for now closed grocery stores. Lean in full force and never give up.