What is more important - design or content? Lovers of books have been arguing about this since time immemorial. You can look at the most unusual and interesting types of typography by visiting a thematic exhibition. Today in our country there is only one book museum or a rare book department. This unusual collection is exhibited in the building of the RSL (former Lenin Library) in Moscow.
The history of creating a unique collection of books
Back in 1918, a rare book department appeared in the Rumyantsev Museum. According to the original idea, the collection was to consist of ancient and unique editions. Initially, the exhibits were stored in the Rumyantsev Museum and were periodically displayed in the format of traveling exhibitions. Then, on the basis of the collected collection, a book museum was opened at the book chamber. After some time, all the exhibits were transferred under the wing of the State Library. Lenin. Today it is the Russian State Library. The museum is located in a specially decorated room. The atmosphere of the 50s reigns in the exhibition halls. Massive walnut display cases, stucco moldings and decorative lamps - all this creates a special atmosphere. Books cannot be kept open for a long time. For this reason, the exposition is constantly changing, and some copies are even issued in the reading room. The museum’s fund contains many more interesting exhibits than are presented in the windows. Employees constantly update expositions and delight visitors with a selection of books of different periods and types.
From scroll to code and this book
While visiting the museum, guests can learn the full history of the book as a way to store and transmit information. Part of the exposition is devoted to the creation of paper and the development of printing technologies. The Museum of Book and Printing in Russia has unique copies in its collection. These are books written on palm leaves, papyrus and ancient scrolls. The next stage of evolution in the book world is code (from the Latin codex - book). So called the first books, consisting of many pages, the prototype of modern ones. During the tour, you can look at publications made in various techniques. The museum of the book boasts both handwritten, and facsimile reproduction, and the first printed copies. Separate expositions tell about the development of papermaking technologies and materials used to create books in an earlier period. There are copies in the collection that demonstrate the evolution of book page decoration and the development of engraving art.
Special books
In its collection, the museum of books and printing has books with an unusual history. These are publications owned by famous historical figures. The exhibition presents a large collection of books owned by representatives of the royal family. In the museum you can look at the very first editions of the most famous works of recognized classics. These are collections of such great writers as N.V. Gogol, A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov and many others. The pride of the museum is the smallest and largest book in the world. Each exhibit has a card with a detailed description, allowing you to learn many new and interesting facts for each visitor.
