iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Magdalene College Libraries

@magdlibs.bsky.social

199 followers 113 following 18 posts

The Libraries and Archives of Magdalene College, Cambridge. www.magd.cam.ac.uk/library-news

Magdalene College Libraries @magdlibs.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

"‘A Disastrous Expedition’: I.A. Richards Caught Climbing the Roofs of Magdalene College". Check out our new article about the fabled practice of night climbing in Cambridge. Image ©Master and Fellows of Magdalene College Cambridge. @magdalenecollege.bsky.social

Two men climbing the clock tower at Magdalene College in 1915.

062

Magdalene College Libraries @magdlibs.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Loveman also notes the strangeness pointed out by Leigh Hunt in 1841, that a diary of such personal and sometimes scandalous information was written at all and so meticulously; stranger still that it be freely donated to his College where it contents were at risk of discovery.

Early printed editions of Samuel Pepys's diary on the shelves at Magdalene College, which are part of the Henk Hiltrop bequest. The volumes have leather and cloth bindings with gilt lettering on spine labels.

140

Magdalene College Libraries @magdlibs.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

This was especially true in certain cases where Pepys’s intentions were subtly encoded in his writing and easily missed. Secondly, the diary was frequently lewd and faced censorship for obscenity.

Early printed editions of Samuel Pepys's diary on the shelves at Magdalene College, which are part of the Henk Hiltrop bequest. The volumes have blue cloth covers with gilt lettering.

130

Magdalene College Libraries @magdlibs.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

200 years ago #otd, Pepys’ Diary was first sent to print in two volumes priced at six guineas each, soon becoming a vital source for studying the Restoration period and a hallmark of British history. In celebration of this bicentennial, let’s take a look at the remarkable history of this diary. 🧵

Title page of the first edition of Samuel Pepys's diary, published by Henry Colburn in 1825.

Frontispiece of the first edition of Samuel Pepys's diary, showing Samuel Pepys at a desk with a large wig on his head and a globe beside him, published by Henry Colburn in 1825.

1259

Magdalene College Libraries @magdlibs.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

To mark the beginning of the Papal conclave, here's a few details from 'Nuova et esatta pianta del conclave..' published by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi. It dates from 1691, and appears in Samuel Pepys's 'Stampe di Roma' print albums.

A black and white engraving of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, with angels above and lettering below.

Two images of the cardinals processing for the start of the conclave and greeting the new Pope.

An image of the whole print, in black and white, depicting a plan of the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and scenes from the ceremonies associated with the death of Alexander VIII and the election of Pope Innocent XII at the edges.

100