Sir Thomas Bodley, William Clennell (INT) The Autobiography of Sir Thomas Bodley

Annotation

"The Life of Sir Thomas Bodley", the honourable Founder of the Public Library in the University of Oxford, written by himself, has claims to be considered the first true autobiography in English, and also perhaps the forerunner of the modern political memoir. The introduction and notes to this new edition discuss these and set the autobiography in its context. As well as discussing the reactions of early readers, it examines the circumstances of its first publication in 1647. It has been most famously quoted for the conclusion 'to set up my staff at the Library door in Oxford', which Bodley knew would ensure his enduring fame. But it is of no less interest as an account of a remarkable career, in both academic and public life, informed throughout by European awareness, from early education in Calvin's Geneva, through Oxford, and many subsequent embassies in the service of Elizabeth. It is written in a particularly fine classical style. As a self-justifying apologia, it is also of interest for the things which Sir Thomas omits. The introduction and notes to this new edition discuss these and set the autobiography in its context. As well as discussing the reactions of early readers, it examines the circumstances of its first publication in 1647.