Bookshelf of the Week: Old Library, St. John’s College, Cambridge

For this week’s Bookshelf of the Week I couldn’t help but feature this shot taken by David Biggins (aka wumpus) of one of oldest and finest libraries in the UK – the Old Library, St. John’s College, Cambridge, which was built in the earlier part of the seventeenth-century (between 1623 and 1628). I won’t provide any more on the history of the library, because Cambridge University themselves have a sprawling page about it, so best to visit this if you’re interested in finding out more.

I adore this picture by David, and while a more panoramic shot such as this one offers a more breathtaking view of the architecture of the library as a whole (including its amazing ceiling), I think David’s picture captures beautifully the sumptuousness of the old Jacobean(?) oak cases, and the equally old volumes that grace their shelves. Simply gorgeous wouldn’t you agree?

Of course gaining the pleasure of being able to study and work in such a glorious medieval library is one of the benefits of studying at a European university, and I recently had that pleasure for four years while I studied at the University of St. Andrews (founded 1413 – Scotland’s oldest. Third oldest in English-speaking world). I will always have fond memories of the many days I wiled away in the King James library (HERE’S a nice link with an interactive tour), and although in its modern form it isn’t as old as the St. Johns College library, Cambridge (although the building it is housed in dates from the same century), I can tell you from experience that it’s an absolute ‘dream space’ to study in, especially when one is studying Medieval History ).

Anyway thanks for the great shot of the Old Library, Cambridge, David, and for sharing it so generously.