The History Department and the University Library at the University of Antwerp are organising a Summer School on ‘Reconstructing Book Ownership’. This summer school is all about reconstructing historical book ownership. The different types of sources containing information about readers and their books in the past will be explored.
The speakers propose methods that can be used to collect and interpret information gathered from catalogues, inventories, archival sources and the physical books themselves. Additionally, it offers a series of novel perspectives illustrating the vitality and relevance of this field of research.
Course description
“Tell me what you read, and I will tell you who you are.” This proverb summarizes an increasingly popular direction in the burgeoning field of book history. The books collected and owned by private individuals can tell us a lot about their political and religious backgrounds as well as their scientific, literary and intellectual preferences. A private library often functions as symbolic capital, and most readers have an intimate relationship with their books. Today, numerous of these private historical collections are kept in national and research libraries.
This summer school is all about reconstructing historical book ownership. The different types of sources containing information about readers and their books in the past will be explored. The speakers propose methods that can be used to collect and interpret information gathered from catalogues, inventories, archival sources and the physical books themselves. Additionally, it offers a series of novel perspectives illustrating the vitality and relevance of this field of research.
The idea of the summer school is to inspire students and researchers. A group of international experts will offer the necessary approaches, tools and ideas to start exploring the fascinating world of book ownership in the past.
In a nutshell
What
An intensive 5-day programme on reconstructing (historical) book ownership as a cultural phenomenon. Both private and institutional book ownership will be studied.
Where
Stadscampus, University of Antwerp, Belgium. Visits to Antwerp libraries and to the Plantin-Moretus Museum will be part of the programme.
When
2-6 September 2019
Who
Master students, PhD students and postdocs intending to integrate book historical approaches into their research, and with an interest in the history of libraries, private book collections and the history of reading. A maximum of 20 participants will be accepted.
External partners
Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library (Antwerp), Museum Plantin-Moretus (Antwerp), Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL).
Registration fee
€500
Fee includes course material, coffee breaks, lunches, the summer school dinner and a farewell reception. It does not include housing.
University of Antwerp Students are entitled to a refund of €150 after completion of the summer school.
Application details
Online through Mobility Online before 15 May 2019.
Please visit the website for information on the course programme.