Richard Smyth is best known for his list of obituaries, and for leaving at his death one of the largest libraries of his day. Investigating his career, books and manuscripts opens up new perspectives on metropolitan libraries and literary culture, book collecting, antiquarianism and religion in mid-seventeenth century London. This one-day conference explores Smyth’s life, career and writing in the context of his time. Among the speakers will be Vanessa Harding, Alan Nelson, David Pearson, Peter Lake, Andrew Foster, Jason Peacey, and Kenneth Fincham.
Advance booking required for security and catering purposes. Please send a cheque for £17, payable to the Friends of Lambeth Palace Library, to Melissa Harrison, Lambeth Palace Library, London SE1 7JU (melissa.harrison@churchofengland.org) or telephone 020 7898 1400), not later than Friday 15 May. No receipts will be sent, but a list of names of those attending will be kept at the Lambeth Palace gatehouse. If you wish to give a 20 minute paper, please send a brief abstract to Professor Kenneth Fincham (K.C.Fincham@kent.ac.uk).
Please report to the gatehouse between 9.45 and 10 am on 27 May. The conference will start at 10.15 am and finish by 4.30 pm. Coffee and tea will be provided, but not lunch. The conference is a joint event with the Friends of Lambeth Palace Library.
Location: Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU