Goethe’s collected works have been donated to the Stockholm University Library
Works such as "The Sorrows of Young Werther" and "Faust" are among some of the most famous works by the leading figure of Romanticism, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. They have now found their place among the special collections at the university library.
The collection consists of 48 volumes, a complete edition of the German poet and scientist Goethe's collected works.
– It is an edition that was published from 1887 to 1919, and all the volumes are in excellent condition. We usually don't accept donations, but if it's really fine, we are happy to make an exception, says Tommy Westergren, librarian in charge of the special collections at the Stockholm University Library.
The donation also included other books, such as David Hume's "History of England" in an edition from 1802, and "Remarks on The Antiquity of Nature and Man" (1864) by James Brodie. The latter is a unique copy for Sweden, and rare internationally as well.
How are these books handled once they have arrived at the library?
– First, we flip through them and dust and clean them a bit. Then we catalog them in Libris, and we have already started with that. After that, they will find their place here in the rarities chamber, which is not entirely easy, as it is very full. But we will do our best, says Tommy Westergren.
And who gets access to these books now that they are here?
– Anyone interested can access them, really. But then you have to sit in our special reading room and read because you cannot borrow them.
Learn more about the library's special collections and rarities:
Text: Cecilia Burman
New additions to the special collections
Last updated: May 2, 2024
Source: Stockholm University Library