The circulation of British Books in Eighteenth-century Pavia: Work in Progress

The historical period scrutinized is Maria Theresa and Joseph II’s “reform years,” the geographical area Pavia and its University. The resurrection of the University was the result of Maria Theresa’s projected reforms within her enlightened monarchy. They definitely changed the state of the institution itself and made Pavia a national centre for education under Joseph II, certifying to the emergence of a culturally central new city. The Biblioteca Universitaria (BU) was established in Pavia as one of the necessary instruments for a cosmopolitan University. The name Biblioteca Universitaria began to be used in official documents only after 1778, when the books were actually moved to the present site, the “Salone Teresiano” in the main University building. The BU grew steadily over the years, generously supported by the government, and by the end of the century it could boast the largest collection of serial publications in different languages from both Italian and foreign Academies and Scientific Societies. The uniqueness of the enterprise is evidenced by the presence of the publications of the most ancient institutions since their foundation. The final goal of my research is the description of books and periodicals of British interest present in the BU relative to the eighteenth century, in view of the impending printing of a catalogue