This Autumn saw the welcome return of the Adopt a Book Open Days, an occasion to thank those people who have generously supported the scheme to help conserve the Chapter Library, and an opportunity for them to see “their” book.

The visit began with a chance to see where the books had been kept from the 17th century until 1999, with an introductory talk in the Vicars’ Hall. It then moved to their new accommodation in the Undercroft, where adopters’ books were on display for them to see, read and ask questions about. Included in the visit was time to see the exhibition of some of the highlights in the archive collections, and a display of other rare books from the Chapter Library. For those who wished to join us, lunch was served in the Dungeon.

The 2 days were a huge success, and we would like to extend our thanks again to our wonderful adopters, without whom we would not be able to ensure the future survival of the splendid collection of rare books in our care.

Eleanor (Assistant Archivist)

Mundus Subterraneus by A. Kircher

Since it was set up in 1997, the Adopt a Book scheme has raised money to preserve and conserve the wonderful collection of rare books in the Chapter Library. One volume recently conserved is Mundus Subterraneus by Athanasius Kircher, published in 1665.

Kircher was a 17th century German Jesuit scholar who published in many fields, including oriental studies, geology and medicine. This volume publishes his geological and geographical investigations into natural phenomena such as volcanoes, earthquakes and fossils. His was a hands-on approach, on one occasion being lowered into the crater of Vesuvius shortly before it erupted. His thoughts were very advanced for the day, believing that the Earth’s interior was a giant, fiery inferno that heated water which had seeped from the ocean, causing the hot springs he witnessed. Volcanoes, he believed, were started when the fire came close to the Earth’s surface.

Dedicated to Pope Alexander VII, the volume is lavishly illustrated with engravings showing all aspects of the underground world. This engraving shows Etna at the point of eruption, an event which the author witnessed first hand.

Eleanor (Assistant Archivist)