White Knights Library

This book details the auction of George Spencer-Churchill's impressive library, highlighting rare books and the impact of his extravagant spending.

The White Knights Library offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent collection of George Spencer-Churchill, the Marquess of Blandford and later the fifth Duke of Marlborough. His library, which flourished during a time of bibliomania, included some of the most coveted incunabula, such as a fine selection of Caxtons and the iconic Valdarfer Boccaccio. The latter, a first edition of the Decameron, was purchased for an astonishing £2,260 in 1812, highlighting the extravagant spending of its owner.

This book reissues the two parts of the 1819 sale catalogue that documented the dispersal of Spencer-Churchill's library. Annotated by an auction attendee, the catalogue provides valuable insights into the prices paid and the identities of the purchasers, painting a vivid picture of the book market at the time. The annotations serve as a window into the past, showcasing the high demand for rare books and the lengths to which collectors would go to acquire them.

Ed Potten, Head of Rare Books at Cambridge University Library, contributes a new introduction that contextualizes the sale within the broader narrative of book collecting and the consequences of excessive spending. The White Knights Library is not just a catalogue; it is a historical document that reflects the passion and folly of bibliomania, preserving the legacy of one of the most significant libraries of its era.