The Treasures of the University of Michigan Library System.
James Dickson | AnnArbor.com
Of the eight million tomes in the University of Michigan library system, one is exalted above all: "The Birds of America, from Original Drawings," by John James Audubon.
Other books might be older, more rare or more expensive, but none holds the distinction as the first book ever purchased for U-M's library.
On Feb. 5, 1838, before the university even held its first class or built its first building, the Board of Regents approved the purchase of "Birds of America" (1827-1838) for $970 - a number that may raise eyebrows even today.
In March 2000, Christie's auction house sold a copy of "Birds of America" for a record $8.8 million. Less than 125 sets of the "double elephant folio" remain intact, out of the 190 originally printed.
"The Birds of America," illustrated by John James Audubon, was the first book purchased by the University of Michigan library.
James Dickson | AnnArbor.com
The oversized volume would still be on display today at the university's Special Collections Library if it weren't serving as the cornerstone of the "Treasures of the University Library" exhibit at the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library's Audubon Room. Every Monday, a library staff member turns the page in "Birds of America" to display new birds.
"Treasures" is intended as a gateway for scholars and the curious to appreciate the resources available throughout the 30-plus libraries in the U-M network. From the special collections, to maps and music to the medical library, a variety of resources from the library system are on display in the "Treasures" exhibit.
"Treasures of U-M Library" will remain on display through Tuesday, Dec. 22.
One display features an excerpt of an early-edition manuscript of the apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, written sometime between 150 and 250 C.E.. Another includes an early edition of the Koran, written between 750 and 1000 C.E.
This version of the Koran, written between 750 and 1000 C.E., is one of the oldest in recorded history.
James Dickson | AnnArbor.com
The Jewish Heritage Collection meanwhile, carries a second edition of the Haggadah. The map on display at "Treasures," from the 1695 Haggadah, was the first in a Jewish publication to depict Israel.
Yet another features the Psalterium, a Renaissance-era printing of the Psalms, written in eight columns - one in Hebrew, others in Vulgate Latin, Greek, Arabic, Chaldean, Latin -translated Chaldean, and one for commentary.
James David Dickson can be reached at JamesDickson@AnnArbor.com.
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