Inquire Within: A Social History of the Providence Athenaeum Since 1753

by Jane Lancaster

First edition. An outstanding history of this most important historical and influential library. The Providence Athenaeum, 250 years old in 2003, not only played a significant role in defining the cultural, intellectual, and social life of Rhode Island in its early years, but played a major part in shaping America itself. Having withstood numerous wars, depressions, and high times alike, this magnificent library, whose lineage can be traced back to even the nascent Alexandrian Library of Egypt, is one of the oldest standing monuments this side of the Atlantic. And as historic as it may be, it still stands to be a growing, changing institution booming with exceptional people and especially, exceptional collections. Illustrated in black-and-white and color. Distributed for the Providence Athenaeum. xxxvi, 219+ 1 pages. stiff paper wrappers.. 9 x 10.5 inches.

219 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2004

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in Rhode Island, you may have heard of the Providence Athenaeum, one of the oldest libraries in the country. This is the definitive history of it. The first half of the book was more interesting than the last half as it wove the history of the organization with the history of the state. The second half of the book consists of the sequence of internal operations of the organization. It is a must-read if you are interested in Rhode Island history.

[Carolyn Crocker · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent, if narrow-focused history of an institution beloved in Providence, and of which I am a happy member. Many photos and illustrations, and a lucid, simple presentation of pertinent history.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful history of that most venerable institution of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the Athenaeum. Now that I reside in Arizona, it is to my great sorrow that I can no longer avail myself of membership in that grand old institution, but my love for the Athenaeum is undimmed across the thousands of miles. This book is like a trip home to visit, for me.

I wish it had a good catalog of the busts in the Athenaeum. Among the charts and lists and facts and figures, it would be nice if there were a good list or diagram of those. One of the librarians once told me that such a list had once existed, but no one knew where it might be now. I kind of hoped a copy had made it into this volume, but alas, no such luck.