Bodleian Libraries

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Amazing collections and breath-taking libraries. Facilitating research at the University of Oxford. Readers: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Visitors: visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Plate Q1v from Bodleian Library Arch. H c.12 depicting a drawing of the Moon
A person warmly dressed sits in front of a fireplace, holding a small object. A label above reads "Winter," and at the bottom, it states "*Southern Hemisphere".
An illuminated manuscript page features a large decorative letter "P" with two winged cherubs playing musical instruments inside. The text reads "Summer of '69" and "*1469" in modern script overlays.
A medieval manuscript page featuring ornate calligraphy and illustrations. The text is in an old script, and there are intricate decorations along the margins, including a small depiction of people walking. The phrase "Brat summer" is prominently displayed in a modern font overlay.
A medieval illustration depicting a group of elegantly dressed figures gathered in a garden setting. In the foreground, a person is shown playing a musical instrument. The image includes ornate decorative borders. Overlaid text reads, "What kind of summer are you having? (Medieval edition)."
The geography of the great solar eclipse of July 14 MDCCXLVIII 1748. Allen LRO 91
A statue of Calliope is displayed at Blackwell Hall. An overlay reads, "Mostly As? You're Calliope, The Muse of Epic Poetry. Creative, confident and eloquent, you're rarely short of ideas - or willing to keep them to yourself. You're happiest when inspiring others...and taking centre stage.
A statue of Calliope holding books labeled "Homer" and "Virgil" stand beside text with a question asking 'Which Bodleian space are you dran to?'. The options are: A) The Radcliffe Camera: The drama! The grandeur! The selfies!, B) Duke Humfrey's Library: Because you see, back in 1447..., C) The Divinity School: It's got that spiritual vibe. And the roof has such pleasing geometry.
A statue of Polyhymnia stands prominently, with an adjacent question bubble asking, "What’s for breakfast?" Below, three options read: "A: Isn’t it obvious? An EPIC brunch!", "B: A coffee, a pastry and an interesting podcast.", "C: Something wholesome - ideally straight from the allotment.
Three statues representing Muses are displayed in Weston Library. Text in the foreground reads, "Which Muse matches your energy?
A medieval illustration features several individuals in robes, one holding an oversized cricket bat. Another offers a ball. The background includes ornate text and decorative patterns. A modern caption is superimposed at the top, reading, "And there’s always the cricket World Cup next year."
Medieval-style illustration of three women interacting with yellow balls, accompanied by the text, "For others... It’s back to the drawing board." Text is overlaid on a background of decorative, old-style script.
An ornate medieval manuscript illustration features a group of people in traditional attire, standing in a circle. The text superimposed above reads, "For some, it's a great result! Come on, England!" The border is intricately decorated with floral designs.
Medieval illustration of three seated men in discussion. The scene appears in an ornate, decorated border. Text overlay reads: "...and the group chat fires up with polite comments about his need for glasses."
A medieval illustration shows a seated man addressing a group of people with raised hands. Text overlay reads, "You protest the opposition’s goal to the ref. It doesn’t go well."
An ornate medieval manuscript page featuring a decorative letter "R." Two individuals dressed in traditional medieval attire are engaged in a discussion. A speech bubble above them humorously states, "You're both absolutely sure you know the offside rule."
A medieval-style illustration depicting people drinking from a river. The scene includes someone pouring water into a cup. Text on the image reads, "Play stops for a hydration break, whether you like it or not.
A medieval illustration of two armored men engaged in combat with long spears. One figure is significantly taller. They stand on a grassy area with a large tree, and a checkerboard pattern is present in the background. A woman watches.
Medieval manuscript page featuring an illuminated letter "C." Inside the letter, a group of monks read or sing from a large book on a stand. A decorative border surrounds the scene. Below, a caption humorously mentions singing the national anthem.
A medieval-style illustration features a figure in blue, poised as if about to kick a ball. The phrase "The 2026 World Cup (medieval edition)" is prominently displayed. The border of the page includes ornate designs.
A two-page open book "The Rules of Association Football 1863" displaying handwritten text on the left page and printed text on the right. The left page features a slanted cursive passage in English. The right page contains printed text discussing a rule about fair catches and free kicks in a game, allowing a player to take a kick where desired with specific conditions. Page number 49 is at the bottom of the right page.
A page of "The Rules of Association Football 1863" featuring a black-and-white illustration on the left, titled "Keeping Warm," depicting a group of men dressed in early 20th-century clothing and one of them is kicking a ball. The right page is titled "Introduction" and contains text describing early experiences with football, schooling, and local teams like Wigton Wanderers and Carlisle United.
A book titled "The Rules of Association Football 1863: The First FA Rule Book" is displayed on a wooden table in Duke Humfrey's, with rows of bookshelves and a high, intricately beamed ceiling in the background.
Two pages from "The Rules of Association Football 1863" are visible. The left page has handwritten text diagonally, partially obscuring printed text. The right page, labeled "1," contains printed text about the dimensions of a sports field: maximum 200 yards long and 100 yards wide, marked by flags, and goals defined without tape or bars, 8 yards apart. Page number 25 is at the bottom.
Page spread from "The Rules of Association Football 1863", titled "Definition of Terms." The pages list and describe various football-related terms. The left page includes terms like "A Place Kick," "A Free Kick," and "A Fair Catch." The right page features "Hacking," "Kicking," "Throwing the Ball," and "Holding." Each term is followed by its definition. The layout is simple, with black text on a white background.
This image shows an open copy of "The Rules of Association Football 1863." displaying two pages. The left page features an illustration titled "A Free Struggle," depicting a group of football players engaged in a physical tussle. The right page contains text titled "The Rules of Association Football 1863." Below is a handwritten note dated 1st October 1863. The text describes how the founding members of The FA met to finalise football rules at a tavern in London.
Poster from the New Theatre Royal, advertising a cooler temperature due to its ventilation. It promotes a unique visit to the English Opera House with offerings like private boxes, balcony seats, and refreshments. Free refreshments include excellent iced cream and water ice. The poster features a quote from Shakespeare and is printed by S. G. Fairbrother in Exeter Court, Strand. © John Johnson Collection, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford: Lyceum box 1 (62)
#BodleianReaders As the weather is hot again, we may temporarily close reading rooms that exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Please check our website for closure notices. These may be subject to change at short notice so if your visit is necessary, please contact your preferred library in advance to check it will be open. Thank you.
A person wearing a white outfit sits on a carved wooden chair, holding two kittens. The image is in black and white. Part of Tom Phillips collection, Bodleian Libraries
Top image: An older adult seated on the grass holding a cat, surrounded by three children and two dogs, in a garden setting. Bottom image: A child standing beside a sheep in a garden. Both photos are sepia-toned. Part of Tom Phillips collection, Bodleian Libraries
A person wearing a suit and hat stands outdoors, holding a bird on one arm. A dog sits at their feet. The setting includes dense foliage in the background. Part of Tom Phillips collection, Bodleian Libraries
A blurred image of a medieval-style tapestry featuring a ship with sails, surrounded by a dark blue border. In the center, there is a dark blue text box that reads, "Nothing beats a summer break (Medieval edition)."
A vintage map depicting areas of the southeastern United States, highlighting territories of Indigenous Peoples such as the Choctaw, Creek, and Apalachee. The map includes geographical features like rivers and state borders, with "West Florida" labeled prominently.
A vintage map depicting the British Empire in North America, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The map, created by Samuel Dunn and 'improved by surveys of Captain Carver', displays parts of the eastern coastline of North America. A text box in the image explains that Britain did not formally recognize American independence until the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
A historical map from 1776, illustrating the British Empire in North America. Despite the Declaration of Independence, American colonies are depicted as British possessions.
A historical map depicting the Eastern United States, showing green borders around the original thirteen states. The map includes geographical details such as rivers and mountains, and references the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
A historic map from 1777, titled "Carte Générale des Treize États Unis de l'Amérique Septentrionale." It depicts the newly independent United States. The map includes labeled regions and territories, with visible references to "Sioux Nadouessiens," "Pays des Ioways," and "Louisiane." Text at the top highlights its significance as the earliest map in the Bodleian collections showing the United States.
A crafted picture of a green and blue outdoor space with figures with babies, and birds above
A young girl at a previous Bodleian Alice's Day event, showing off her printing
The Radcliffe Camera being photographed through a camera
The quad at the Bodleian Libraries, with the Old Bodleian Library building in view
the Ice King Quadrilles by Arthur Henry Brown
Looking for a cool library space?
A group of people stand inside Radcliffe Camera with its domed ceiling. The text "Did you know? Tours FAQ" is overlaid on the image.
Bookshelves with overlay text: Return any items you have borrowed before you leave (and report any lost items)
Prof Andrew Gosler
A handwritten page titled "Jack & Alice," introduced as a novel written in 1790 by Jane Austen. The introduction mentions William Austen and includes a dedication to three figures. The text begins with a description of Mr. Johnson's activities.
Prof Andrew Gosler holding a bird. From Ornithology to Ethno-ornithology (Andrew Gosler) Friday 12 June, 13.00 – 14.15 This talk explores the extraordinary history of bird-human interaction and the worlds of ornithology and ethno-ornithology.
A collection of leaflets/posters expressing outrage at Michael Portillo and Ann Widdecombe over voting records on ages of consent
A volunteer operates a old printing press in the Weston Library. They wear glasses, a sweater, and an apron. The background includes a window with a view of buildings.
Hebrew and Jewish Book Culture in Medieval and Early Modern England Weston Library | 9 June 2026 | 5–6pm Free, booking required Part of Jewish Culture Month
A sign says "Space for Reading" next to a well-lit room with books displayed on a shelf. The text reads, "Which is the most wonderful book you have read about birds and what made it so special?
A wooden bookshelf filled with rows of antique books. Overlaid text reads, "We may not be a 'museum,' but...".
An illustration of a white-tailed eagle in flight holding a fish in its talons.
A well-lit corner in a library features a book display with various books on a shelf. Three wooden chairs surround a table. Large text on the wall reads, "Is there a work of fiction that has birds as important characters or themes? Why would you recommend this book?
An image showing owls, a hen, larks, and a wren, nesting in a large beard. Text overlay says: There was an Old Man with a beard, who said “It is just as I feared! Two Owls and a Hen, four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard!” from Edward Lear's "A Book of Nonsense" (1846).
The image is a poster for the Friends of the Bodleian Annual Lecture 2026. It features the book cover of "Burning the Books: A History of Knowledge Under Attack" by Richard Ovenden, with a red background and a burning book illustration. Quotes from various publications surround the cover. Event details: "Defending Knowledge: Why Libraries Matter," scheduled for Thursday, 14 May 2026, from 17:30 to 19:30.
Image of daffodils and text: Mental Health Awareness Week, events for students and staff. Free, Radcliffe Science Library, 11-14 May 2026
Picture of Sir David Attenborough by John Cairns
Richard Ovenden speaking into a microphone at the Friends of the Bodleian Annual Lecture 2026, titled "Defending Knowledge: Why Libraries Matter."