Library acquires important collection on Voltaire
The Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections will launch the exhibit, titled Voltaire: A Sampling of the J. Patrick Lee Collection, at McGill’s Open House on Sunday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibit includes editions of Voltaire's well-known work Candide, modern illustrated editions, a selection of Voltaire's other works in early editions, editions of works by some contemporaries and a number of manuscripts, including two letters by Voltaire. The exhibit runs until JanuaryĚý31st, 2014 in the Rare Books and Special Collections’ Reading Room (full details at the end of this release).
“Adding the J. Patrick Lee Collection of rare materials by Voltaire and his contemporaries to an already significant collection of related works is a unique opportunity of importance and benefit to Ď㽶ĘÓƵ, Montreal and Quebec as a whole,” said Prof. Richard Virr, Chief Curator, Rare Books and Special Collections. “With the acquisition of this collection, McGill has the potential to be the Canadian centre for 18th-century studies and, indeed, one of North America’s leading centres for the study of the Enlightenment.”
“The McGill Library has truly outstanding 18th-century strengths in the history of ideas,” added Prof. Virr. “From Pierre Bayle, the precursor of the Enlightenment, through Immanuel Kant, who was to have a major influence on 19-century thought, the Library’s holdings represent both comprehensiveness and depth. Furthermore, it is supported by a large collection devoted to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The one major figure of the 18th century who did not have comprehensive coverage in the Library’s holdings is Voltaire. This acquisition signals in a significant way the importance of Ď㽶ĘÓƵ within Canada as a centre for research and study of history, philosophy, and literature. The J.ĚýPatrick Lee Collection will now be available for scholarly research, study and learning in a myriad of ways and disciplines.”
Rare Books and Special Collections is located on the 4th floor of the McLennan Library Building (3459 McTavish Street). Open to the public Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit:
About J. Patrick Lee
J. Patrick Lee (1942-2006) was one of the pre-eminent scholars on Voltaire in the United States. He was a professor at Brescia College (Kentucky) and at the University of Georgia and held professor and administrator positions at Belmont Abbey College (North Carolina) and Barry University (Florida). Over the course of his career, he wrote many articles on Voltaire and reviews of books relating to him or 18th-century studies. He was on the editorial board of the Voltaire Foundation’s Œuvres complètes de Voltaire.
About the Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Library
The Library provides the comprehensive information infrastructure necessary to sustain leading-edge teaching, learning and research activity at Ď㽶ĘÓƵ. It holds more than seven million items in its various collections, which are located in 12 branches across McGill’s downtown and Macdonald campuses. Receiving over 5.8 million visits annually, and millions more visits online, it is an invaluable support system for the McGill community, with rich collections, comprehensive information resources, innovative services and attractive, comfortable facilities. For more information:
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