We have important books and need your help!

A large number of these books were given to the Institution by Reverend Leonard Jenyns (1800-1893) along with his herbarium and shell collection. He was one of the leading experts in the field of natural history. The nucleus of his library was originally formed by his Great uncle Leonard Chappelow, also a vicar and naturalist.

Fine coloured plate of 'Stormy Petrel' from Donovan's British Birds vol V. VI. pub.1799

What do the books need?
While the contents of a book may be transcribed, photocopied and put on the internet the visual and physical impact of seeing and feeling the book is a very strong one. Therefore, we feel the restoration of selected volumes is a worthwhile project.

Due to neglect in the past the books have suffered considerably from damp and insect damage. As can be seen, the boards and spines have become detached from the books and damaged. Most of the volumes should be furbished and their corners repaired, their endpapers replaced, and new leather spines attached.

Any contribution towards either the full or part restoration of a book of your choice from the library will be gratefully acknowledged on the appropriately inscribed book-plate following restoration. See below for a sample list of books currently awaiting resoration. A comprehensive list is available beside the display case at the BRLSI (see right).

How can you help?
When you adopt a book it will be restored by local bookbinders who specialise in antiquarian books. Your contribution will be recorded in our official register of the scheme, and your name will be inscribed on a specially designed bookplate. For further details please contact: BRLSI Office Manager Jonathan Taylor, or Evelyn Lewis (Fridays only) if you would like to inspect any of the books. email admin@brlsi.org or phone 01225 312084 .

Progess report and books awaiting adoption

Dr Evelyn Lewis writes:

Work continues to restore the BRLSI Book Collection (BRLSI Proc., 2004: 8, p163-170). 7 volumes were professionally refurbished in the past five months. Meanwhile, the In-House Library team have repaired 2 volumes and carried out appropriate cleaning of the library books.

In addition to an Anonymous sponsorship of L3941 Insectorum Angliae: Natural Historia (1731), the Scheme has been boosted by a portion of the ongoing donations in memorium of Don Lovell. Lovell on Animals (Lovell, Robert: Panzoologicomineralogia: or a compleat history of animals and minerals (1661) 2 parts in 1 vol. ) is an essential tome for your survival SAS or Ray Mearns' - style when Kirsty Young banishes you to a Dessert Island!

Your library has many such fascinating books so make an appointment to come and refer to them for your enjoyment. Iterated thanks to all those whose generosity towards the restoration of the BRLSI Book Collection is permanently recorded in our Archives and the ongoing BRLSI Proceedings.

Examples of Books awaiting Adoption (also see AAB display case in the Duncan Room, BRLSI).

Sponsors may contribute all or part of the cost. The sponsorship is recorded for posterity by the signing of the appropriate bookplates affixed to the refurbished and record books and could prove to be a unique gift to record a special family event or even a Christmas present!

• Bath Guides (19th Century) 'drop over' box £45.00
  
  
• Bartholomew's Atlas of Zoogeography, (1911). Resew £35/ 1/2 leather binding £184+VAT £227.00
  
  
• Cuvier's, Recherches sur les ossemems fossils, (1821-24). Rebind £117.50
  
  
• Whewell, William. History of Scientific ideas (1858). Cloth reback, remount original spine £58.00
  
  
• Muller, Freidrich. The Sacred Books of the East. 11 of 44 vols. Rebind as rebacks 11 x £70.00