Thomas Bodley, English diplomat
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Thomas Bodley, English diplomat
Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613), English diplomat and scholar. Bodley was born at Exeter into a Protestant family. During the catholic reign of Mary the family moved to Germany, but returned when Elizabeth took the throne and Bodley went to Magdalene College, Oxford. Bodley had a career in teaching then entered the diplomatic service after becoming a member of parliament. However, he is most famous for the refounding of the library at Oxford that had been ravaged during the reformation. From 1598 he started to gather the greatest works available using money donated by rich friends. He also persuaded the Stationers Company to provide him with a copy of every book published, making this the first deposit library in the world. Today the library is called the Bodleian in his honour. This engraving was published in Portraits of Illustrious Personages of Great Britain by Edmund Lodge in 1835
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Media ID 6332951
© Todd-White Art Photography
1500s 1600s 1613 16th 17th Bibliophile Century Collector Diplomat Engraved Engraving Founder Library Member Parliament Protestant Scholar Thomas Vertical 1545 Bodleian Bodley Librarian Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Sir Thomas Bodley, an eminent English diplomat and scholar from the 16th to 17th century. Born into a Protestant family in Exeter, Bodley's life was shaped by religious turmoil during the reign of Queen Mary. Seeking refuge in Germany, his family returned when Elizabeth ascended to the throne. Bodley pursued education at Magdalene College, Oxford before embarking on a career in teaching. However, it is his remarkable contribution as a diplomat that truly distinguishes him. Serving as a member of parliament and entering the diplomatic service, Bodley left an indelible mark on history. Yet it is perhaps his role as the founder of one of the world's most renowned libraries that solidifies his legacy. After witnessing the devastating effects of reformation on Oxford's library, Bodley embarked on an ambitious endeavor to restore its glory. Starting in 1598 with generous donations from wealthy friends and securing copies of every published book through collaboration with the Stationers Company, he established what would become known as the Bodleian Library - now named after him. This exquisite engraving captures not only Sir Thomas Bodley's scholarly demeanor but also pays homage to his significant contributions as a collector, librarian, bibliophile, and diplomat. Todd-White Art Photography has masterfully captured this historical figure whose impact continues to resonate within academia even today.
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