Manuscripts and Woodblock Prints in Asian Languages at the Scientific Library of Saint Petersburg State University / Edited by Vladimir L. Uspensky; St. Petersburg State University Faculty of Asian and African Studies. St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg State University Faculty of Philology, 2014. 175, [1] p.
The book presents to the reader one of the best and also oldest of Russia’s collections of manuscripts and woodblock printed books in Asian languages. The Saint Petersburg University book collection took shape in the course of the nineteenth century when the Russian Empire effectively strengthened its position on its eastern borders and established contacts with neighbouring countries. Saint Petersburg University acquired books in two principal ways. Books were given by foreign political leaders and Eastern subjects and were also added to the Library as a result of the donation of significant collections accrued over a long period of time by famous Russian Orientalists and diplomats. At present, all books in Eastern languages kept at the University Library are grouped according to their languages. The authors’ approach was a similar one. Thus, each of the nine chapters in this book is focused on the books written in a particular Asian language. Readers will discover many interesting facts concerning the history of Oriental studies in Russia, some of which have never been published previously.
This book is addressed to Asian studies’ scholars as well as general readers who are interested in the traditional cultures of Asia.
On November 14–15, 2023, the 1st All-Russia conference of young orientalists “Army and military traditions of the Near East” will be held at the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts, RAS. The program of the conference is now available.
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