First published 2015
Angela Merkel examines the remarkable survival of the Biblioteca Bardensis at St. Marien church in Barth, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This historic book collection, first documented in 1398, claims the distinction of being Germany's oldest church library to remain continuously at its original location. Merkel traces how this exceptional collection endured centuries of warfare and upheaval while remaining largely unknown and threatened by decay. She documents the restoration project from 2011 to 2013 that renovated the Gothic library space and secured the historic volumes for public access. The effort earned the library's support association the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in spring 2014 for cultural heritage preservation. Merkel shows how the Barther Library Discussions now systematically explore the history and contents of this rediscovered treasure, revealing the extraordinary significance of a collection that survived against all odds.
Genres: history, cultural-heritage, art-history, church-history, architecture, academic
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical
Setting: Barth, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, St. Marien Church
Period: 1398, 2011-2013
120 pages · Hardcover · Schnell & Steiner