Bibliotheca marsdeniana philologica et orientalis

This catalogue by William Marsden provides a foundational resource for the study of comparative linguistics and Oriental literature, showcasing a remarkable collection.

In Bibliotheca marsdeniana philologica et orientalis, William Marsden presents an extensive catalogue that serves as a foundation for the study of comparative linguistics and oriental literature. Published in 1827, this work reflects the flourishing of British Oriental scholarship during the early nineteenth century, coinciding with the growing British interests in Asia. Marsden's insights into scholarly practices and the history of publishing are evident throughout the catalogue, which showcases his remarkable collection amassed over a forty-year career.

Marsden, who worked with the East India Company in Sumatra and later held the position of First Secretary with the Admiralty, curated a library that became invaluable to the fields of linguistics and literature. This catalogue details a wide array of texts, including those on travel, medicine, and linguistics, alongside significant works of literature and religion. Among the notable items listed are rare editions of Bibles and a unique copy of the Book of Genesis in Algonquin, highlighting the diversity and richness of Marsden's collection.

Donated to King's College, London, in 1835, the library continues to be a shared resource with the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Bibliotheca marsdeniana philologica et orientalis stands as a crucial resource for scholars interested in British Oriental studies and the historical practices of book collecting, offering a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits of its time.