On Saturday I spent part of the day in London at the British Library. I know what you are thinking...why is she telling us about a library? How boring is that? You will be happy to hear that there was no studying involved (although I will probably get a Reader Pass to do some research there for my dissertation). Instead I went to see the free exhibitions. In the Sir John Ritblat Gallery I saw the "Treasures of the British Library." This is a permanent display of some of the British Library's greatest treasures arranged by them. I saw two of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, the Diamond Sutra (the oldest surviving printed book), and a Gutenburg Bible. There were also manuscripts written by Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Keats, Dickens, and loads of others. The original illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Underground (the title was changed to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland when it was published) was on display along with several pages from da Vinci's notebooks and manuscripts from Beowulf. Shakespeare's signature on his mortgage was displayed next to his First Folio of 1623. There was a section dedicated to music that featured original sheet music by Handel, Beethoven, and even the Beatles. I saw sacred texts from around the world and letters written by Henry VIII, Napoleon, and Churchill. The Pearson Gallery housed "London: A Life in Maps" which will be on display until 4 March. I didn't spend as much time here since it was rather crowded, but it was amazing how many different types of maps were displayed. They ranged from the earliest printed maps from the late 1550s to the present day. London has really grown and changed over the years! Unfortunately, but understandably, no one is allowed to take photographs in any of the exhibits so there are only a few photos in the new album. Without a Reader Pass I was unable to go into any of the reading rooms but there was still plenty to see.

And speaking of reading, this week my department has its Reading Week which means no classes for me! Although I really need to get some extra reading done and focus on my dissertation proposal, I'm also going to take advantage of the few extra days off to do a bit more exploring. One of my classmates and I are going to Stratford-Upon-Avon tomorrow and Leeds on Saturday. So, be prepared for extra entries this week! Yay for Reading Week!