Richard de Bury Quotes
Richard de Bury (1287-1345) was an English bishop, scholar, and bibliophile. He is best known for his work “Philobiblon,” a treatise on the love of books and the importance of libraries. De Bury was a prominent figure in the medieval book culture, serving as the treasurer and chancellor…Read More
Richard de Bury (1287-1345) was an English bishop, scholar, and bibliophile. He is best known for his work “Philobiblon,” a treatise on the love of books and the importance of libraries. De Bury was a prominent figure in the medieval book culture, serving as the treasurer and chancellor of England under King Edward III. He was also a collector of books and manuscripts, amassing a large personal library that he later donated to Oxford University. De Bury’s other notable works include “The Mirror of the Blessed Life of Jesus Christ” and “The History of Edward II.” He is remembered as a passionate advocate for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge through books.Read Less
Richard de Bury (1287-1345) was an English bishop, scholar, and bibliophile. He is best known for his work “Philobiblon,” a treatise on the love of books and the importance of libraries. De Bury was a prominent figure in the medieval book culture, serving as the treasurer and chancellor of England under King Edward III. He was also a collector of books and manuscripts, amassing a large personal library that he later donated to Oxford University. De Bury’s other notable works include “The Mirror of the Blessed Life of Jesus Christ” and “The History of Edward II.” He is remembered as a passionate advocate for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge through books.
Richard de Bury Career Highlights
- Bishop of Durham: In 1333, Richard de Bury was appointed as the Bishop of Durham, one of the most prestigious and powerful positions in the English Church at the time.
- Chancellor of England: In 1334, he was appointed as the Chancellor of England, making him one of the most influential figures in the country.
- Diplomatic Missions: Richard de Bury was sent on several diplomatic missions by King Edward III, including to the Pope in Avignon and to the Holy Roman Emperor.
- Book Collector: Richard de Bury was a passionate book collector and is known for his extensive personal library, which was one of the largest in Europe at the time.
- Author: He wrote several books, including “Philobiblon,” a treatise on the love of books, which is considered one of the earliest works on library science.
Key Contributions by Richard de Bury
- Education: Richard de Bury was a strong advocate for education and believed that books were essential for learning. He established a school at Durham Cathedral and donated books to Oxford University.
- Preservation of Books: As a book collector, Richard de Bury was dedicated to preserving and protecting books. He wrote about the importance of proper care and storage of books in his book “Philobiblon.”
- Library Building: Richard de Bury was one of the first to build a private library in a separate building, rather than keeping books in the main residence. This set a trend for future book collectors and helped to preserve books from damage.
- Book Donations: He donated books to various institutions, including Oxford University, Durham Cathedral, and the Carthusian monastery in London, to promote education and learning.
- Patron of the Arts: Richard de Bury was a patron of the arts and commissioned several manuscripts, including the famous “Luttrell Psalter.”
What Sets Richard de Bury Apart
- Love for Books: Richard de Bury’s passion for books was unparalleled. He believed that books were not just objects, but treasures that should be cherished and preserved for future generations.
- Forward-Thinking: Richard de Bury was ahead of his time in his ideas about education, preservation of books, and the importance of libraries. His contributions to these areas have had a lasting impact.
- Multifaceted Career: Richard de Bury’s career was diverse, spanning from being a bishop and chancellor to a book collector and author. He excelled in each of these roles and left a mark in each field.
- Diplomatic Skills: Richard de Bury’s diplomatic skills were highly valued by King Edward III, who sent him on important missions. He was known for his tact, intelligence, and ability to negotiate effectively.
- Legacy: Richard de Bury’s legacy lives on through his writings, his extensive book collection, and his contributions to education and the preservation of books. He is remembered as a scholar, a bibliophile, and a visionary.
Takeaways
- Passion and Dedication: Richard de Bury’s love for books and dedication to preserving them is a reminder of the importance of books and the knowledge they hold.
- Importance of Education: Richard de Bury’s emphasis on education and his contributions to institutions of learning highlight the value of education in society.
- Forward-Thinking Ideas: Richard de Bury’s ideas about libraries, book preservation, and education were ahead of his time and continue to be relevant today.
- Multifaceted Career: Richard de Bury’s diverse career shows that one can excel in multiple fields and leave a lasting impact in each of them.
- Legacy: Richard de Bury’s legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations to appreciate and preserve books, promote education, and make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Other People
Archbishop of Milan
· Italy
1941
Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop
1923
Episcopal bishop
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Bishop
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1734 - 1816
