Awakening a Curate's Library

More about the book

The book delves into the life of Rev. William Arderne Shoults, highlighting his remarkable book collection of around 5,600 items, which includes medieval manuscripts, incunables, and texts on various subjects. It chronicles his education at St. John's College, his work in London's poorer parishes, and his connections with notable figures like Rev. Joseph Leycester Lyne. Additionally, it covers his marriage and travels, including a visit to the Vatican Library. Following his death, his collection was donated to Selwyn College in New Zealand, showcasing the achievements of a 19th-century curate.