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David Laing (1793-1878)
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While still a young man he achieved a reputation for a 'truly wonderful
degree of skill and knowledge in An antiquary, editor of older texts and an inveterate collector of books and manuscripts, he was appointed Librarian of the Signet Library in 1837, holding the post until his death in 1878. His direct benefactions to the Library began and continued through
his life. As Secretary to the Bannatyne Club, he arranged for the Library
to receive a free copy of each of the Club's publications as it appeared;
David Laing died unmarried, bequeathing his collection of manuscripts to the University Library. This includes autograph correspondence from many famous contemporaries in the worlds of literature and scholarship, as well as such gems as the C17 Stamboek or Album Amicorum of Michael van Meer. His collection of printed books was sold by Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge over thirty-one days in 1879 and 1880, and realised £16,137. (Engraved portrait by kind permission of Edinburgh University Library) |
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Shelfmark: La.III.283 |
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