News Summary
A rare 17th-century theology book, ‘Theologia Moralis’ by Paul Laymann, was donated to Michigan State University’s Surplus Store. This significant piece of literature is believed to be a reprint from 1672. With its unique pigskin binding, the staff quickly recognized its historical value. The store processes thousands of books monthly, showcasing its role in preserving educational and cultural heritage. The book will be archived by the university’s Special Collections team to ensure its preservation for future generations. This discovery adds to the Surplus Store’s reputation for uncovering rare and historically significant texts.
East Lansing, Michigan – A rare 17th-century theology book has found its way to Michigan State University’s Surplus Store, thanks to a donation received last fall. The book, titled Theologia Moralis, was penned in Latin by Austrian philosopher Paul Laymann and is believed to be a reprint from 1672, stemming from an initial print in 1651.
This significant piece of literature, which is bound in pigskin and devoid of any library markings, strongly suggests it originated from a private collection rather than an institutional library. The unique binding instantly caught the attention of the staff at the Surplus Store, prompting further examination and identification of its historical value.
The Surplus Store plays a pivotal role in handling a massive influx of donated items, particularly books. Staff sort through approximately 20,000 pounds of books each month, organizing them based on condition, value, and category. Thousands of other books currently for sale at the store highlight the vast collection available to the public.
The operations coordinator of the store, Chris Hewitt, indicates that staff and student volunteers are trained to recognize items of historical significance, as evidenced by the swift identification of the theology book. Laymann, the author of Theologia Moralis, is noted for his contributions to Catholic theology, having taught in Bavaria and Austria, and is recognized for several theological texts. His work has held considerable importance in Catholic seminaries for over a century, with Theologia Moralis being regarded as one of his most notable contributions.
Historically, this book has significance as it served as a cornerstone text for Catholic education and was reprinted numerous times throughout the years. Its arrival at the university’s Surplus Store aligns with the store’s history of uncovering rare texts. Among past finds include a first edition of Charles Darwin’s work on worms, a first edition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and an early edition of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
The Surplus Store has also had its share of quirky and unusual donations, including items like an eel-skin briefcase and homemade robots. Such diverse contributions from the community not only foster a unique shopping experience but also support sustainability efforts, as books that do not meet quality standards are recycled into paper.
Following its discovery, the copy of Theologia Moralis has been transferred to the University’s Special Collections team to ensure it will be properly archived and preserved for future generations. The university’s commitment to preserving such important historical items highlights the value placed on educational and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the donation of Theologia Moralis to Michigan State University’s Surplus Store adds not only to the rich history of the store itself but also represents a crucial piece of theological and educational legacy, furthering the mission of libraries and university collections to safeguard knowledge for years to come.
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