The collection of Monserrat Rosselló in the University Library of Cagliari

Abstract

The book collection of the jurist Monserrat Rosselló (ca. 1560-1613) from Cagliari comprises approximately 4,500 editions and is the most notable private library on the island in modern times. Rosselló stipulated that on his death it should be entrusted to the Jesuit College in Cagliari; following the suppression of the Jesuit order, in 1779 it was given by the ruling Savoy family to the University Library, which had recently been founded as a public library. The Rosselló collection is not merely a matter for local pride but, with its introduction in Sardinia of the model of a modern public library, represents an important episode in library history. An attentive reading of Rosselló’s testament shows that he did not wish simply to donate his library to the Jesuits; he wanted to entrust them with the responsibility for preserving and maintaining it, as a living collection which would serve as a library “for everyone”. An examination of the inventory of the library reveals that in building it Rosselló did not merely accumulate volumes; he acquired and exploited bibliographical tools which helped him to navigate the world of publishing. Among these tools there are some bookseller and publisher catalogues, some of which survive today in the University Library, by means of which Rosselló gathered information on available publications, thus widening his scope beyond what the local booktrade in Sardinia could offer to take in the whole of Europe.

Keywords

• Private libraries
• Cagliari
• Sardinia
• Monserrat Rosselló
• Booksellers’ and publishers’ catalogues
• 16th century.