Marsh's Library is a unique and historic institution. Ireland's first public library, it remains unchanged since it was founded three hundred years ago by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh. The magnificent collections dating from 1472 include books printed by the early scholar printers on a wide range of subjects including theology, philosophy, history, medicine, science, law, witchcraft, natural history, and travel. The collections in Marsh's give an insight into the 17th century mind and are a rich source for the history of ideas. This book tells the story of the founder's life and his determination to build a library for the Irish public and to provide it with the best and most current books by the finest European writers. It traces the history of the library, its eccentric keepers, and the many famous readers including Swift, Maturin, Moore, Mangan, Bram Stoker and James Joyce. The book also describes the many rare and early printings in the library, including Marsh's oriental collection. -- Publisher description.