The Reading of Books and the Reading of Literature

Reading the Ideal Copy > John Bale, Bibliographer

Pictured here is title page of Scriptorum illustriu[m]. The book’s full title is long and lays out the ideological underpinning of the volumes.

One of the interesting things about Bale is that he often includes an image of himself in the front of his books. Here, he highlights his erudition. Surrounded by neo-classical ornamentation, he clasps a book. In other books, he can be found prostrating before Edward VI.

Chaucer and Gower are placed next to each other in Scriptorum. In addition to brief Latin biographies, Bale has provided catalogues of their works.

Rare Book & Manuscript Library / Butler Library, 6th Fl. East / 535 West 114th St. / New York, NY 10027 / (212) 854-5153 / rbml@libraries.cul.columia.edu