Mathematical books and Frankfurt book fair catalogues: the acquisition of mathematical works by Robert Ashley in early modern London

Abstract

Robert Ashley (1565–1641) was a bibliophile, lawyer and translator who bequeathed his collection of approximately 5,000 books to establish a library at Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court. The collection is notable for several reasons, not least of which is its substantial number of mathematical books and Frankfurt book fair catalogues. These books and catalogues contain marginalia in Ashley’s hand which provide insight into this early modern reader’s use of an important collection of (mostly continental) mathematical books. Despite the lack of documentary evidence by way of commonplace books or correspondence by Ashley, some conclusions can be drawn about his intentions for his collection.