Bookshelf of the Reformation – Conference

In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, National Széchényi Library will hold a conference entitled Bookshelf of the Reformation. Representative Publications in Hungary from the Time of the Reformation on October 16, 2017. From the perspective of publication, book and binding history, or content, lecturers will present prints, series of prints and manuscripts kept in NSZL and other major historical libraries that played a symbolic or representative role in the history of the Reformation in Hungary and Europe.

Presented will be, for example, representative publications, the most significant psaltery and song books, preacher volumes, contemplative and prayer books, catechisms and creeds produced with the financial support of great aristocratic families (such as the Rákóczi family, Thurzó family, Pál Ráday, etc.). Most of our lecturers are researchers specializing in Early Modern Age, who work either for National Széchényi Library or for major Protestant libraries. We have also invited two colleagues from Slovakia and one from Romania who deal with ancient books and possessor research.

During the conference, a chamber exhibition presenting some of the publications discussed in the lectures will be open to visitors.

Conference program

9:30 – 9:40 Welcome speech by László Boka, Director of Research and Academic Affairs, National Széchényi Library

9:45 – 11:00 Chairwoman: Gabriella H. Hubert

• Klara Komorová: 16th-century publications of Luther’s works in Slovak libraries and their possessors
• Sándor Előd Ősz: Early Modern Age Calvin editions kept in Budapest
• Róbert Oláh: Prints of the Debrecen Synod of 1567
• Debate
• Coffee break

11:30 – 12:45 Chairwoman: Klara Komorová

• Helena Saktorová: Reformation books in György Thurzó‘s library
• Gabriella H. Hubert: Gradual song book as a book genre of the Reformation
• Judit P. Vásárhelyi: Psalterium Ungaricum
• Debate
• Lunch break

14:00 – 15:00 Chairwoman: Judit P. Vásárhelyi

• Balázs Koós: György Káldi: Holy Bible. In old Latin letters common in all Christianity...1626.
• Dávid Csorba: Preacher speech renewed by the Reformation
• Debate
• Coffee break

15:20 – 17:00 Chairman: József Jankovics

• János Heltai: Regal and ecclesiastical representation in Calvinist publications in George I Rákóczi’s era in Transylvania
• Györgyi Borvölgyi: From the old bookshelf of the first Reformed chief caretaker: some volumes from Pál Ráday’s readings
• Ferenc Földesi: Manuscripts of Benedek Árkosi’s prayer book
• Debate – Closing remarks

Venue: National Széchényi Library, Budapest, (Buda Royal Palace, Wing “F”, Floor 6, Ceremonial Hall (You can enter at the Staff Entrance of NSZL, on Floor 5, at the Lion Gate.)
Date: October 16, 2017