leidenspecial­collectionsblog — page 8

Asian Special Collections

Tradition and Modernity in the Palm-Leaf Manuscripts of Lombok

While military technology was adopted by the kingdom, the ancient palm-leaf manuscript tradition remained relevant in the culture and daily lives of the people of Lombok.

Middle Eastern Special Collections

Old Soldiers Never Die…

The Friends of Leiden University Libraries contribute to the acquisition of a late Ottoman luxury manuscript

‘ô Mia Divinità’- Bilderdijk’s Love Letters

Few love letters are more passionate and profound than those written by Romantic poets like Willem Bilderdijk. The real story of his love life, however, is complex and sadly filled with strife.

Asian Special Collections

A unique copy of a Yuan dynasty play from the Van Gulik Collection

The only surviving copy of a Chinese northern drama published by Wang Tingne: "Record of the Celestial Book" is held in the Asian Library Van Gulik Collection.

Manuscripts, Archives and Letters

Johan Huizinga’s archives, a goldmine for his works

150 years since the birth of Johan Huizinga, his academic archive held at Leiden University Libraries is a treasure trove of knowledge and insight.

Maps and Atlases

World history as river delta: The first Stream of Times-map

A new map genre emerged in the 19th century: the Stream of Times-map, depicting history as a system of dividing and converging rivers. Friedrich Strass published 'Der Strom der Zeiten' in 1803, considered a first of its kind. Dutchman Johan Willem Scheele, however, designed one a century earlier.