Hidden treasures of University of Michigan library brought to light
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.
Comments
pooh bear
Thu, Dec 10, 2009 : 4:08 p.m.
In 1937 the University celebrated it's Centennial. Then they decided they preferred the 1817 date, so the Sesquicentennial was in 1967. It can get very confusing.
Bear
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 7:33 p.m.
Let me put it this way, selling important research documents to defray student costs, in my opinion, is a waste of valuable resources. Like selling classroom teaching materials and equipment to make the class more affordable. It doesn't work.
Moonmaiden
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 4:55 p.m.
Wow - great info. I remember 1967 - the sesquicentennial, but it sounds like that should have been celebrated in 1988, or 1991...
Bear
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 4:51 p.m.
When it was first founded in 1817 it was located in Detroit, MI., near Congress & Woodward when it was known as Cathelepistemiad, or University of Michigania. Ann Arbor offered 40 acres for the University to settle on in 1837, It became known as the University of Michigan that year, although the first classes weren't held until 1841. Michigan became a state in the "frostbitten convention" of january 1837 (settling the Toledo War and allowing the Territory to become a state) and the U of M was the first public university in Michigan. So, in a way, the University was reborn, so to speak, in Ann Arbor, MI and has gone on to become a jewel to both the city and the State of Michigan.
81wolverine
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 4:14 p.m.
The Birds of America original copy is a spectacular book to have in the collection. Hopefully, they have it protected VERY well! Audubon's illustrations are very interesting, as he tried to depict the birds in a more active scene in their preferred habitat(as opposed to using standard side views with no background like most modern field guides do). Also, the names of the birds in his book are not very much like they are today. Ornithology was still a pretty new field and it took a while before different species were fully identified and classified. Ironically, too, without having cameras back then, Audubon had to shoot all the birds he depicted to get an accurate drawing of them (color, proportion, features, etc)!
ChrisW
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 3:17 p.m.
The Birds of America book. Looks very nice: http://books.google.com/books?id=M1IDAAAAYAAJ&ots=nOrYjVLAOu&dq=Birds%20of%20America&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=&f=false You can even download it as a PDF file, although there's a slightly annoying Google logo on every page.
Moonmaiden
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 1:55 p.m.
The article claims that the first class had not yet been held in 1838. I always thought that the University began in 1817. What gives? We had a university for 21 years before a class was held? I'm confused - please help!