Catalogue of Books in the Library of Dundee - 1724
The municipal library of Dundee was established in 1442 when a fine collection of classical and theological works was gifted to the Town Council by the Abbey of Lindores. Surviving the reformation, the collection was supplemented by gifts from Sir Peter Young of Seatoun and Henry Scrymgeour of Geneva.
A total of 1682 volumes is recorded, predominantly devoted towards the study of the Christian religion, but not entirely neglecting other areas of learning. Date and place of publication is usually noted. A handful of the books recorded survived the disastrous fire of 1841.
This book is reputed to have been thrown from the blazing Steeple Churches, picked up by a bystander, and taken to Australia with him. Returned by descendants, it is the only extant record of what must have remained of Dundee's medieval library.
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