| Thomas Percy Library | Queen's University Belfast |
|---|---|
| Collection | |
|---|---|
Identifier |
Percy/ |
Description |
The almost intact 18th century library of the author and antiquarian, Thomas Percy (1729-1811), Bishop of Dromore, Co. Down. Described at one time as the finest library in private hands in Ireland, the collection contains monographs, bound volumes of pamphlets and some manuscripts relating principally to English Literature (especially 16th and 17th century verse, Shakespearean controversies, ballad poetry), Gaelic and northern poetry and antiquities, and popular metrical and prose romances of Europe. The collection also reflects Percy's membership of Samuel Johnson’s 'Literary Club' by including association or presentation copies from Johnson himself, Oliver Goldsmith, Edmond Malone, George Steevens, et al. Percy annotated his books extensively, one of the most interesting of which is a copy of the 3rd edition (1775) of his own work, 'The Reliques of Ancient English Poetry.' A unique item in the library is the earliest known English Gesta Romanorum (Deeds of the Romans), printed by Wynkyn de Worde during the early 16th century. |
Strengths |
Early English Literture. 16th and 17th century verse. Shakepearean controversies. ballad poetry. Gaelic and Northern Poetry and antiquities. Popular metrical and prose romances of Europe. |
Physical Characteristics |
Approx. 741 volumes and 1,225 pamphlets. |
Languages |
English;French;Italian;Latin;Portuguese;Spanish |
Collection Temporal Date Range |
1500 - 1811 |
Accumulation Date Range |
1750 approx. - 1811 |
Contents Date Range |
1509 - 1808 |
Collection Type |
Collection.Library.Text.Special |
Accrual |
Policy: Closed
Method: Purchase
Periodicity: Closed |
Access |
The collection is available for reference only under supervised access in the Special Collections Reading Room at The McClay Library. Further information is available here: http://libguides.qub.ac.uk/specialcollections |
Legal Status |
This collection is owned by Queen's University Belfast |
Custodial History |
Purchased at auction by Queen's University Belfast in 1969 |
Description or Catalogue |
The Thomas Percy Library is catalogued, items are identified by the prefix 'PERCY/'. The Library catalogue is accessible at http://www.qub.ac.uk/lib |
| Collector | |
|---|---|
Name |
Thomas Percy (1729-1811), Bishop of Dromore |
History |
English antiquarian, author/poet and churchman, b. Shropshire, 1729. Ed. Oxford and Cambridge. In 1782 he became Protestant bishop of Dromore (Ireland) after having served as vicar of Easton-Maudit, Northamptonshire from 1753. He achieved literary fame as the editor of the Reliques of Ancient English Poetry (3 vol., 1765), a collection of 176 English and Scottish ballads, which sparked a revival in the study of earlier literary forms and exercised a great influence on the romantic poets in Germany as well as England. Percy was also well respected for his translations of Chinese and Icelandic verse, among other works. Percy's literary friends included Samuel Johnson and William Shenstone, and was related to Lord Percy, Duke of Northumberland. He died at his home in Dromore, Co. Down in 1811. Publications: Reliques of Ancient English Poetry (1765); Five Pieces of Runic Poetry, translated (1763); The Songs of Solomon, translated, with a Commentary (1764); Northern Antiquities (translation) (1770); The Hermit of Warkworth” (1771); A Key to the New Testament (1779); An Essay on the Origin of the English Stage (1793) |
| Owner | |
|---|---|
Name |
Queen's University Belfast |
Organisation |
Queen's University Belfast |
Role |
Academic Institution |
History |
Queen's University Belfast was formerly established as 'Queen's College, Belfast' by Queen Victoria in 1845 as one of three colleges in Ireland. It was raised to the status of a full university in 1908 with its own Charter and Statutes. When Queen's College first opened its doors in 1849, there were 20 professors and 90 matriculated students all based in the main Lanyon building in Belfast. Since then, the University has grown considerably both in reputation and stature reflecting its status as one of the oldest educational institutions in the UK. Now catering to some 1,300 academics and 17,000 full and part-time students, the University offers courses and research opportunities in Agriculture & Food Science, Arts, Economics & Social Sciences, Medicine & Health Sciences, Science, Engineering, Education, Law and Theology based in centres within several miles of the original site, as well as a Marine Laboratory at Portaferry. Notable persons to have come through Queen’s doors include the poet, Seamus Heaney, a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Mary McAleese, the current President of Ireland and a former senior officer at Queen's, David Trimble, a former member of teaching staff and a joint recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace and actor Liam Neeson. |
| Location | |
|---|---|
Name |
Queen's University Belfast |
Address |
The McClay Library |
County |
Antrim |
Website |
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Access Control |
The McClay Library operates a controlled entry system. Members are required to use their Queen’s staff, student or library card to obtain admission. |
Role |
Librarian |
Phone |
00442890976333 |