Sharp and accurate look at books from the Baroque age in Kaunas libraries and museums

Rita Urbaitytė (Kaunas County Public Ąžuolynas Library, Lithuania)

This report is a part of an ongoing study of old books kept in Kaunas libraries and museums. Over 2 thousand items of printed publications dated from 1601-1750 were visually examined now. Even though Kaunas libraries and museums hold only a small part of all the publications produced in the 17th century, this part is significant for Lithuania. The publications from 17th and first half of 18th century in Kaunas reflect a wide spectrum of traits characteristic for the age of Baroque and hold an incredible amount of diverse, unique and interesting information relating to culture. This presentation touches such questions as the history of publishing and bookbinding, book trade and migration, the dissemination of ideas, reading culture and historical libraries.