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| Magna Carta. London: Robert Redman, 1539 |
Next year is a remarkable anniversary for Magna Carta, one
of the great documents and symbols of individual rights, and the rule of law, in
the world. The “Great Charter” turns 800
in 2015, and will be commemorated throughout England, America and beyond, for
its enduring witness to traditions of fundamental law and constitutional rights. Great celebrations are already underway in
England and here in America at the Library of Congress, which has been loaned
the Lincoln Cathedral copy of Magna Carta, one of four surviving originals of
King John’s charter.
At the Law Library we will also host a year-long exhibition devoted to the history and influence of Magna Carta, seen through the wonderful
rare books collection at the Riesenfeld Center. At the heart of the exhibit will be the Library’s set of fourteen Magna
Cartas printed before 1600, including several associated with notable figures –
one that inspired and was owned by great abolitionist Granville Sharp, and
one produced by the first woman to print books in England, Elizabeth Pickering.
Stay tuned for more: we will blog about Magna Carta during
the year and digitize the exhibit as well. In the meantime, here are some resources for events and exhibits in
England and the US, including the Library of Congress exhibition. A final story is on a newly (re)discovered,
possibly eye-witness account of Magna Carta, which comes to light just in time
for the anniversary:
- Ryan Greenwood, Curator of Rare Books and Special Collections
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