David Garrick's Library

The 1823 sale catalogue of David Garrick’s general library reveals the breadth of his intellectual and literary interests, his patronage of contemporary writing, and his engagement with the rare book trade. Following an overview of the library’s contents, this talk will consider Garrick’s controversial decision to bequeath his books to his nephew (the important collection of old English plays, the actor left to the British Museum), Robert Saunders’ 10-day sale of the library in April-May 1823, and the location of Garrick’s books today.

Nicholas Smith is author of 'An Actor’s Library: David Garrick, Book Collecting and Literary Friendships' (Oak Knoll, 2017) and curator of the V&A display ‘David Garrick: Book Collector’, September 2016 to May 2017.