Von Leipzig in die Welt und zurück: Britischer Sammler übergibt seine Tauchnitz-Sammlung der Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig

In the organizer's words:

On June 10, 2026, an extraordinary donation will be presented at the Bibliotheca Albertina: British collector Alastair Jollans is handing over around 5,000 volumes from the legendary Collection of British and American Authors published by Bernhard Tauchnitz Verlag to Leipzig University Library (UBL).

It is one of the most extensive collections of the famous Tauchnitz Edition, which has made inexpensive English-language literature accessible to continental Europe since 1841. Bernhard Tauchnitz was thus a pioneer of the modern paperback and a pioneer of international copyright.

For decades, Jollans mainly collected first editions, paying particular attention to the paperback volumes, which are rarely preserved in their entirety due to their age. The collection impressively illustrates the innovative work and international networks of one of the book city's most successful publishers. At the same time, it opens up new perspectives for international Tauchnitz research.

On this occasion, the UBL and the Institute of English Studies invite you to discover the first volumes of the collection and to honor the donation in the presence of the collector and the American laudator Charles Johanningsmeier. At the same time, reference will be made to the special commitment of Leipzig scholars who are working to preserve Tauchnitz's legacy.

In collaboration with the researchers, Leipzig University Library will catalog the collection and make it accessible.