About

This free exhibition at The Guildhall showcases, for the first time since 1923, a selection of extraordinary books and fine bindings from the Bath Record Office collection.

Highlights include:

• A display of books by female authors associated with Bath, inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen.

• A rare trial sheet of William Morris's Kelmscott Chaucer, donated by his daughter.

• Pocket-sized treasure the Illuminated Book of Hours, which has the initial letters illuminated in burnished gold.

• A copy of the Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the most famous specimens of early European printing.

• Historic children's books and tourist guides.

​Originally acquired by Bath Municipal Library, before being entrusted to the care of Bath Record Office, these rare books are remarkable survivors, having survived the bombing raids of the 'Bath blitz' in 1942 and the catastrophic Bath floods of December 1960.