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Book Sales Catalogues of the Dutch Republic, 1599-1800

  

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Editors: H.W. de Kooker and Dr. K.J.S. Bostoen
Initiated by B. van Selm (†)
General advisor: Prof. dr. M. Keblusek
The Dutch Republic was the greatest clearing-house of European print in the 17th century, and it remained extremely significant during the folllowing century. Complete 'freedom of the press' was still an unknown concept, but in the Dutch Republic censorship was fairly limited compared to many other European countries. Non-Dutch authors were able to publish their books in the Republic, and Dutch book publishers and traders issued translations of works in Latin and European languages that challenged traditional scientific, social and political conventions. Many of these works had a profound influence on European history and culture.

Contents of book sales catalogues are not limited to records of sales of printed objects; auctions also included scientific intstrument, art objects, and "curiosities".

The largest collections of pre-1801 Dutch book sales catalogues are in

  • Amsterdam (Library of the Dutch Book Trade Association, in Amsterdam University Library, c. 950)
  • Paris (Bibliothèque Nationale de France, c. 950)
  • St. Petersburg (National Library of Russia, c. 830)
  • Wolfenbüttel (Herzog August Library, c. 800 catalogues).

    The holdings of these libraries have been filmed already.
    		• Book Sales Catalogues of the Dutch Republic, 1599-1800