• The John Rylands University Library
• Bulletin of the John Rylands University Library
  • Notes for contributors
  • Back issues
  • Cumulative indexes
  • Special centenary issue
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Back cover of the Special centenary issue of the Bulletin.

Contents

1. The John Rylands Library, 1972-2000
   Dr Peter McNiven, Head of Special Collections, 1988-2000 (pp. 3-79)

   On 1 January 2000 The John Rylands Library celebrated the centenary of its opening to the public. Originally an independent foundation, for well over a quarter of its century of existence it has been an integral part of The University of Manchester as the Special Collections Division of The John Rylands University Library. This account of its recent history, a sequel to Dr Frank Taylor's 1989 updating of the Library's history to cover the years from 1936 to 1972, encompasses what has surely been its most eventful era. The colour photographs scattered throughout this article confirm that The John Rylands Library is one of the finest examples of modern Gothic architecture in Europe.

Papuan Birds of Paradise by J. Gould, 1875

2. Dr Frank Taylor, 1910-2000: two obituary tributes (pp. 81-4)

   Dr Frank Taylor, successively Keeper of Western Manuscripts (1935-49), Keeper of Manuscripts (1949-72) and Librarian (1970-72) at The John Rylands Library, and Deputy Director and Principal Keeper at the John Rylands University Library of Manchester (1972-77), died in March 2000. We publish two moving memorial tributes from colleagues who worked closely with him.

   'I look back on those years with gratitude for his great achievements in the Rylands and the University, for his unstinting support, and, in particular, for his friendship. His exacting scholarship and commitment is found rarely in libraries today, if at all; it belongs to a different time. We were privileged to have had him among us.'
   Dr Frederick Ratcliffe
   Manchester University Librarian, 1965-80

   'I miss him, but know that I am not alone when I say that '
   Miss Anne Young
   Senior Special Collections Assistant

3. 'An Illustrated Catalogue of A Scholars' Paradise: a Centenary Exhibition of Notable Books and Manuscripts'
   Dr Peter McNiven, Head of Special Collections, 1988-2000 (pp.85-254)

   The year 2000 saw the coincidence of the celebration of the new millennium (or, for the more pedantic, the concluding year of the old) and the centenary of the opening to the public of The John Rylands Library. The Library celebrated its centenary by presenting 'A Scholars' Paradise', a spectacular exhibition designed to encompass the full spectrum of the Rylands collections. This catalogue consists primarily of the original exhibition captions together with over 100 colour photographs of the exhibits.

Nodding Renealmia, Temple of Flora, 1807

Ms Judith Kent
Scholarly Publications Administrator
The John Rylands University Library
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PP
United Kingdom

Tel: 0161-275 3734
Email: Judith.Kent@manchester.ac.uk