Top 6 Highlights at National Museums Scotland’s Library

Founded by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the library at National Museum Scotland received its first book in 1781 – and that very book is still on our shelves! Over the past 234 years, our library has amassed an impressive collection that spans a wide range of topics, from Archaeology to Aztec art, zircon to zebras, history to haute couture. With over 300,000 items and a variety of e-resources, our historic library also houses some truly special, unusual, and beautiful pieces in our collection, making it a treasure trove of knowledge.

1. Histoire naturelle en miniature de 48 oiseaux: with des descriptions, c.1816
Meet the smallest book in our collection! This 1816 French edition features 48 birds in a book that measures just 6.7 x 12.5cm when open, making it possibly the tiniest ornithology book ever published. Fun fact: the illustrations were copied directly from an English volume six years earlier, but reversed in our version.

2. Genealogia deorum gentilium, c.1487
Our oldest book is a real gem. Giovanni Boccaccio’s work on classical mythology dates back to 1360, making it a key reference for over 400 years. Our edition, likely printed around 1472, features hand-drawn illustrations of mythical characters like Pan and Minerva in the margins. An inscription reveals that this book once belonged to the esteemed William Scheves, Bishop of St Andrews.

3. Isaac James, Providence Displayed, 1800
Ever heard of Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe? Well, this book tells his incredible tale. Published in 1800, it recounts the adventures of Selkirk, who spent four years alone on the Island of Juan Fernandez. The detailed woodcut illustrations bring Selkirk’s solitude to life, like seeing him gaze out at the sea lions, with only memories of human society to keep him company.

4. John Napier, Rabdologiae, 1617
Step into the world of inventor and mathematician John Napier with his mechanical calculating device described in Rabdologiae. This Latin text, published in 1617, showcases Napier’s ‘bones’ – a groundbreaking innovation in math computation. A beautiful 1786 Edinburgh edition of this work is a special highlight in our collection.

5. The Rocket, 1956
A surprising addition to our library, The Rocket comic from the 1950s is a real blast from the past. Edited by Pilot Douglas Bader, this short-lived series ran for 32 issues in 1956, offering readers an exciting adventure in the skies. It’s a unique find among our collection of historical treasures.

6. Book Sculpture, 2011
In 2011, a mysterious artist left a stunning book sculpture at our library, featuring a fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex bursting out of the pages of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World. This one-of-a-kind piece is a true work of art, celebrating the magic of books and ideas.

With our ever-growing collection, the library at National Museum Scotland continues to support research, conservation, and collecting efforts of the Museum staff. Whether you’re curious about Scottish clockmakers, bird eggs, fossils, or anything else in our Museum galleries, we’re here to help. Feel free to explore our collections through our online catalog or reach out to us via email – we’re always happy to share our knowledge and resources with visitors like you.