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The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

Isidore of Seville

Item 5A

Etymologiae

1472
First Edition
Incunabula
First Appearance in Print
Early Binding

In the early modern world, the desire to compile human knowledge into a single source led to the creation of encyclopedias, chronicles, and histories. Isidore’s encyclopedia remains one of the greatest repositories of ancient and medieval knowledge. The influence of his work extended to all the disciplines included in its twenty books: medicine and libraries, law and chronology, languages, peoples, beast and birds, geography, buildings and road-making, stones and metals, agriculture, ships, houses, furniture, and clothes.

An open antique book displays a detailed circular diagram on the left page with radial text and markings.
An open antique book displays a detailed circular diagram on the left page with radial text and markings. The right page features an intricate tree illustration with numerous text-labeled nodes on the branches and roots and several unfurled banners containing Latin script.
An old book with Latin text in black ink on yellowed paper. Large, ornate red capital letters are used to begin some sections. The page is slightly curved and shows signs of age, such as worn edges. The text is written in a formal, calligraphic style typical.

What will you discover next?

Charles Darwin On the Origin of the Species
An open book displaying an inscription in a neat, cursive handwriting that says:

How our understanding of nature evolved?

Go To Item 3B

The Nuremberg Chronicle
A detailed, close-up view of a vintage illustration featuring a radiant sun with a human-like face, smiling and gazing towards a human face etched with expressive lines. The image is colored in warm shades of yellow and brown, with intricate linework depicting the sun's rays and the person's facial features.

A history of the world, according to the 15th century?

Go To Item 13E

Return to Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
Through Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall