Antonio Magliabechi letter

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0335

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one hand-written letter of Florentine bibliophile, Antonio Magliabechi. The letter is written in Italian and bound into a volume along with a typescript English translation. Also in the volume is a copy of D'Israeli's biographical description of Magliabecchi from Curiosities of Literature. The letter was written August 24, 1697 to author, Giovanni Giustino Ciampini (1633-1698). The letter is a formal expression of appreciation from Magliabechi to Ciampini for sending (to Magliabechi) his new book, De Vicecancellario S.R.E. (1691). Magliabechi continues by requesting copies of two other works by Ciampini: Vetera Monimenta in Quibus Praecipue Musiva Opera and De Sacris Aedifciis a Constantino Magno Constructia (1693). In Isaac D'Israeli's Curiosities of Literature, he described Magliabechi as a man who cared for little else other than his books. Magliabechi expressed his love for books in the letter to his patron, Ciampini: "If it were possible I would buy all the books in the world which are of any merit."

Dates

1697

Creator

Magliabechi, Antonio, 1633-1714 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note

Antonio Magliabechi (1633-1714) was a Florentine bibliophile and scholar. He was librarian to Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany (1673-1714). During his lifetime, Magliabecchi acquired 30,000 volumes which later formed part of the Biblioteca Nazionale of Florence.

Extent

0.167 Cubic Feet (1 letter)

Language of Materials

Italian

Additional Description

Abstract

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was part of the library of Edward Revere Osler and donated to The Johns Hopkins University. The volume was added to the Tudor and Stuart Club Collection, Accession Number 177,688. In June 1992, it was transferred to the Manuscripts Department, Accession Number 91-92.47.