Written by Vladimir Magič, 1989
Abstract
As a prolific writer who produced outstanding work in the fields of culture an science, Valvasor needed an adequately stocked library. His collection is now housed in the Metropolitana, the library of the Zagreb Archdiocese. It was purchased on their behalf by Mikulić, Archbishop of Zagreb (1688-1694). The purpose of this paper is to illuminate or at least touch upon some issues relating to Valvasor’s library. The books from this collection are presented here according to the towns in which they were printed, their type of binding, and their content. Chronicles, calendars, atlases, travel writings, topographies and notebooks are dealt with separately.
Today this collection contains 1,530 volumes, with 2,724 titles. Unfortunately, 115 volumes disappeared from the Croatian National Library after the notorious robbery in 1987. Each book from the collection is worthy of individual attention since the library represents a valuable source for the learning of that time. A thorough examination of its significance would involve a team of experts from different fields. As a first step a catalogue will be necessary if such research is to be possible. Valvasor in himself fully merits these scholarly projects. It is appropriate, given Valvasor’s own remarkable work.