TL;DR
A YouTube video features classicist David Butterfield’s personal library with around 20,000 books, including the complete Loeb Classical Library. The tour is described as the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed. The collection highlights the importance of classical languages and texts.
A YouTube video featuring classical scholar David Butterfield’s personal library has been released, showcasing what is claimed to be the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed, with around 20,000 volumes. The tour highlights Butterfield’s extensive collection of classical, medieval, and modern texts, emphasizing the importance of classical languages and scholarship.
The video, uploaded by Timothy Kenny, spans approximately two hours and includes a detailed walkthrough of Butterfield’s library, which contains notable collections such as the complete Loeb Classical Library, I Tatti Renaissance Library, and Pauly-Wissowa Encyclopaedia. Butterfield, a professor and provost at Ralston College in Savannah, Georgia, has been collecting books for decades, aiming to amass around 10,000 volumes but now owning roughly double that number.
Butterfield’s collection reflects his scholarly interests in Latin, Greek, and Western civilization. He mentions that he is still working toward completing certain sets, such as Oxford University Press’ Very Short Introductions, and continues to expand his library. The collection includes both scholarly texts and personal items, like annotated schoolbooks and doodles, illustrating his lifelong engagement with classical studies.
Why It Matters
This development underscores the enduring value of classical scholarship and the preservation of ancient texts, which remain relevant for understanding language, history, and culture. The extensive collection exemplifies the dedication of individual scholars to maintaining and promoting classical knowledge in a modern context. For readers, the tour offers insight into the depth of classical studies and the importance of preserving rare and scholarly works.
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Background
Butterfield’s library is part of a broader cultural interest in collecting and showcasing rare and significant books. Previous notable library tours include those of Umberto Eco, Jorge Luis Borges, and others, but Kenny’s video claims to be the largest ever. Butterfield’s background includes decades at Cambridge University before moving to Ralston College, which emphasizes classical and medieval studies. His collection reflects a lifelong passion for Latin and Greek texts, which are often considered ‘dead’ languages but remain vital to understanding Western civilization.
“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 complete sets like Loeb and Pauly-Wissowa.”
— Timothy Kenny
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet confirmed whether the collection will be fully accessible or open to public viewing beyond the online tour. Details about the exact number of rare or unique items remain unclear, and Butterfield’s future plans for expanding or lending parts of his collection are still developing.
Odyssey, Volume I: Books 1–12
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What’s Next
Butterfield may continue to expand his library, aiming to complete additional series and collections. There is potential for future virtual tours or exhibitions, and scholarly interest in his collection could lead to publications or collaborations. The ongoing development of digital archiving may also make parts of his library more widely accessible.
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Key Questions
How many books does David Butterfield own?
He owns approximately 20,000 volumes, more than double his initial goal of 10,000.
What types of books are in his collection?
The collection includes classical texts, scholarly editions, encyclopedias, and personal annotations, with notable sets like the Loeb Classical Library and Pauly-Wissowa Encyclopaedia.
Is this the largest bookshelf tour ever filmed?
According to the uploader Timothy Kenny, yes, it is the largest recorded attempt to showcase a personal library of this scope.
Will the collection be accessible to the public?
It is unclear whether Butterfield plans to open his library for public visits or digital access beyond the online video.
Source: The best free cultural & educational media on the web – Open Culture
