The Largest Bookshelf Tour Ever Filmed: Inside a Classicist’s 20,000-Volume Library

A YouTube video has revealed what is claimed to be the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed, showcasing classical scholar David Butterfield’s personal library of approximately 20,000 volumes, including rare collections like the Loeb Classical Library and Pauly-Wissowa Encyclopaedia. This development highlights the scale of individual scholarly collections and the enduring interest in classical languages and texts.

The video, uploaded by Timothy Kenny, features a two-and-a-half-hour tour of Butterfield’s library, which includes major classical collections such as the Loeb Classical Library, I Tatti Renaissance Library, and Pauly-Wissowa Encyclopaedia. According to Butterfield, he has not yet completed his collection, still aiming to acquire all volumes of Oxford University Press’s Very Short Introductions series, which he values for their concise overviews.

Butterfield, a classical scholar and Provost at Ralston College in Savannah, Georgia, has spent decades accumulating his library, which now contains around 20,000 books. His interest in Latin and Greek texts, along with his academic career, has driven his collecting. The library reflects his lifelong passion for classical languages, literature, and history, and his desire to preserve and study these texts.

Why It Matters

This extensive library exemplifies individual scholarly dedication and the cultural importance of classical studies, especially as Latin and Greek face declining educational emphasis. The video provides insight into the scale and scope of personal academic collections, inspiring interest in classical languages and the preservation of scholarly heritage. It also underscores the enduring value of physical books in an increasingly digital age.

Background

While many private libraries are known for their size or unique collections, this is claimed to be the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed, according to creator Timothy Kenny. Butterfield’s collection builds on a tradition of notable bibliophiles and scholars showcasing their holdings, such as Umberto Eco and Jorge Luis Borges. The video comes at a time when classical languages are increasingly marginalized in modern curricula, making the preservation of such collections culturally significant.

Butterfield’s background includes a career at Cambridge University before moving to Ralston College, which focuses on Western civilization through literature and art. His collection reflects his academic pursuits and personal interests, with a goal to complete certain series like the Oxford Very Short Introductions.

“I can’t see myself relaxing until I have accumulated around 10,000 books.”

— David Butterfield

“This is the largest bookshelf tour ever attempted, including major classical collections.”

— Timothy Kenny

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet confirmed whether the library truly holds 20,000 volumes or if there are additional volumes not visible in the video. The claim of it being the largest filmed bookshelf tour is based on available information but has not been independently verified. Details about the full extent of Butterfield’s collection remain limited.

What’s Next

Further videos or updates from Timothy Kenny or Butterfield may showcase more of the collection or provide additional insights into his collecting process. Scholars and bibliophiles might seek to compare this library to other private collections or explore efforts to digitize or preserve such extensive holdings. The library’s role in ongoing classical studies could also be a focus for future academic or cultural discussions.

Key Questions

Is this really the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed?

According to Timothy Kenny, it is the largest attempt to showcase a private library on video, including major classical collections. However, independent verification has not been provided.

What kinds of books are in Butterfield’s library?

The library includes classical texts, the Loeb Classical Library, Renaissance collections, encyclopedias like Pauly-Wissowa, and series like Oxford’s Very Short Introductions. It reflects Butterfield’s academic focus on Latin, Greek, and Western civilization.

Why is this library significant?

It exemplifies individual scholarly dedication and the preservation of classical knowledge, which is increasingly marginalized in modern education. The collection highlights the cultural importance of physical books and classical studies.

Will there be more videos or updates about this collection?

Future content may include more detailed tours or insights from Butterfield or Kenny. The collection’s full extent and significance may be further explored in upcoming releases or scholarly discussions.

Source: The best free cultural & educational media on the web – Open Culture