The love of books: The philobiblon of Richard De Bury is a reflective treatise celebrating the enduring power and sanctity of books. It explores the idea that written works serve as vessels of wisdom, guiding humanity toward moral and intellectual perfection. The author portrays books as sacred companions that surpass material wealth, offering a lasting source of truth and enlightenment. Through eloquent prose, he reveals his devotion to collecting, preserving, and studying literary works, viewing them as essential to education and spiritual growth. The treatise connects this passion to the advancement of learning and the enrichment of society, particularly within religious and academic circles. It presents a vision where the love of reading becomes a noble pursuit, elevating the mind and nurturing virtue. The narrative blends personal reflection with philosophical guidance, urging future generations to safeguard knowledge as a divine inheritance and to honor the written word as a timeless bridge between generations of thought and understanding.
Richard de Bury, also known as Richard Aungerville or Aungervyle, was an English priest, scholar, bishop, and early advocate of learning, best remembered for his passion for books and education. Born in 1287 in Bury St Edmunds, he was educated at the University of Oxford, where he developed a lifelong dedication to scholarship. Rising through both ecclesiastical and political ranks, he eventually became Bishop of Durham and served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Treasurer under King Edward III. His deep love for books led him to become one of the first notable English collectors of manuscripts, acquiring texts from across Europe and building an extensive personal library. He sought to preserve and share knowledge during a time when books were rare and treasured, often offering patronage to scholars and scribes. His most famous written work, Philobiblon, reflects his reverence for learning and the written word, expressing a clear belief in the power of books to elevate human thought. His legacy lives on as a foundational figure in the history of book collecting and intellectual preservation in medieval England.
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