The diagram sketched in the front
of the catalogue on the picture opposite shows how
George Stacey Gibson’s books were originally
arranged at his home, Hill House, in Saffron Walden
High Street. The books were catalogued using letters
to denote subjects.
A -
Biography, Genealogy etc, B - History C - Topography (geography) and travel,
(Great Britain) D - International topography E - Theology, religion and church
history F - Literature (essays, collected
works, literary criticism etc.) G - Arts H - Social sciences I - Bibliography, librarianship,
printing history etc. K - Sciences including geology, astronomy
and mathematics L - Botanical science, agriculture,
horticulture etc. M - Natural history S - Fiction
The same categories were used in
the Institute Library and have been retained for the
old books in the Town Library.
Many of the books in the Town Library
reflect the Gibson’s interests. George Stacey
Gibson was the author of The Flora of Essex, which
explains why he collected so many books on botany
and zoology. These can be seen in the bookcases. The
collection reflects the Gibson family’s interests.
As brewers they had books on brewing and temperance
and as bankers they collected books on finance.
The major influence on George
Stacey Gibson’s book collection, above all else,
was his Quaker faith.
Catalogue of the library of
George Stacey Gibson, 1880
