The inventory of the Bernardines Library in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska of the year 1617

Abstract

The author, referring to the inventory of the Bernardines Library in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska of the year 1617, presents how a document of that type can be applied in studies on history of the book and book collections. Adequate description of the register and its systematic analysis are preceded with the history of this library. The monastery was funded by Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, head of the province of Cracow, in 1602. The Bernardines were interested in books, each monastery had a library. As for Kalwaria, important source concerning the oldest library is the inventory of its collection of the year 1617. The monks had at their disposal fundamental literature for their personal and external works. The library was placed in a special room, and books were ordered according to their size. Ludwik Boguski (librarian of the convent in the years 1611-1618) was responsible for collecting and indexing books. He completed almost the whole library, what undoubtedly influenced the inventory. Nowadays, analysing book descriptions from the inventory, the researchers can follow scholarship of its author and his attitude toward books (e.g. what he perceived as important in a book, which characteristics he included, and what mistakes made). One can also consider whether author develops a description scheme personally, or takes it over, does he work mechanically or describes also specifics of particular copies.