Richard de Bury, English bishop and politician, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain (d. 1345)

Richard de Bury (24 January 1287 – 14 April 1345), also identified by his family names Aungerville or Aungervyle, was a highly influential English cleric, scholar, and statesman during the 14th century. He was renowned as a priest, an esteemed teacher, and later rose to prominence as the Bishop of Durham. Beyond his ecclesiastical roles, he distinguished himself as a prolific writer and, most notably, as a passionate and pioneering bibliophile.

De Bury's profound dedication to scholarship established him as a significant patron of learning, actively fostering intellectual pursuits and supporting scholars of his era. He is widely recognized as one of England's earliest and most fervent collectors of books, amassing a personal library of extraordinary scale for the medieval period. His collection reportedly numbered over 1,500 volumes – an immense treasure trove at a time when books were meticulously copied by hand, exceedingly rare, and consequently, incredibly valuable.

His enduring legacy is primarily cemented by his seminal work, the Philobiblon, a Latin treatise completed shortly before his death in 1345. This remarkable work, whose title translates to "The Love of Books," was meticulously crafted to advocate for and inculcate in the clergy the profound pursuit of learning and an ardent appreciation for books. It served as a powerful exhortation for intellectual development within the Church, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of knowledge and the sacred nature of the written word.

The Philobiblon is universally regarded as one of the very first books in history to delve deeply into the principles and practices of librarianship. Within its pages, Richard de Bury meticulously discusses the proper care, acquisition, organization, and preservation of books. He articulates groundbreaking concepts for his time, such as the importance of intellectual access to collections, the classification of manuscripts, and the ethical responsibilities of those entrusted with the custody of books. His insights laid foundational groundwork for the development of modern library science, making the Philobiblon an indispensable text for understanding the history of libraries and scholarly pursuits in the Middle Ages.

Key Contributions and Historical Context

• Early Patron of Learning: Richard de Bury leveraged his considerable influence and wealth, accrued through high ecclesiastical and political offices—including his significant roles as Treasurer and Chancellor of England under King Edward III—to generously support scholars and promote education. He frequently invited learned individuals into his household, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment that encouraged research and study.
• Pioneering Book Collector: In an age where books were scarce and immensely valuable, often chained to desks in monastic libraries for security, de Bury actively sought out and acquired manuscripts from various sources across Europe. His collection was remarkable not just for its vast size, but also for its intellectual breadth, encompassing theological, philosophical, scientific, and classical texts, reflecting his wide-ranging scholarly interests.
• Advocate for Literacy and Knowledge: The Philobiblon reflects de Bury's deep concern that learning was potentially waning among the clergy. He passionately argued that books were not mere objects but rather indispensable conduits of divine wisdom and essential tools for spiritual and intellectual growth, directly challenging any prevailing ascetic views that might have disdained secular or classical learning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard de Bury

Who was Richard de Bury?

Richard de Bury was a prominent 14th-century English priest, scholar, statesman, and Bishop of Durham. He is celebrated as one of the earliest and most significant book collectors in England, and a key patron of learning during the medieval period, having served in high offices under King Edward III.

What is the significance of the Philobiblon?

The Philobiblon is Richard de Bury's most famous Latin treatise, completed in 1345, which translates to "The Love of Books." It is historically crucial because it passionately advocates for the pursuit of learning among the clergy and is considered one of the first comprehensive works to discuss the principles and practices of librarianship, including meticulous book acquisition, careful preservation, and intellectual access.

Why is Richard de Bury considered an important historical figure?

Richard de Bury is considered an important historical figure for several compelling reasons: his groundbreaking role as a pioneering bibliophile and one of England's first major book collectors, his active and influential patronage of learning which significantly supported medieval scholarship, and his enduring work the Philobiblon, which provided foundational insights into library science and vigorously championed the intrinsic value of intellectual pursuits in the Middle Ages.