What is it about?
This is a study of how Jesuit libraries worked in parts of Europe (excluding Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and the Italian states) prior to the suppression of the Society in 1774. I look at patterns in collecting subjects and languages to see if they conform to the supposed ideals of a Jesuit library, as expressed in books like Antonio Possevino's _Bibliotheca Selecta_ and the foundational documents of the Society.
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Why is it important?
This establishes a way to compare and contrast Western with Eastern European collections, which is rarely seen; it also looks closely at representation of particular subjects and languages during a period of time in which Jesuit education was becoming standardized.
Perspectives
Most Anglophone studies pay less attention to the Eastern European context, and I worked to create a balance here. In addition, few studies compare the reality of Jesuit libraries to the ideals, expressed in the prescriptive documents.
Professor of History Kathleen M. Comerford
Georgia Southern University
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This page is a summary of: Pre-suppression Jesuit Libraries, June 2023, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004441217_008.
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