Cambridge University Library
£500 on offer to student book-collectors
Cambridge University Library is offering students the chance to win £500 by building their own book collections. The Rose Book-Collecting Prize was endowed in 2006 and is believed to be the first of its kind offered by any European university.
The 2023 prize was awarded to Toma-Jin Morikawa-Fouquet for his collection of 'The polymathic writings of Hirano Imao (1900-1986)'.
To enter, students should submit a list of their collection together with a short essay, explaining the theme and significance of the collection. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to talk about their collection to the judges. Applications for the 2024 prize will open in November 2023.
Entries should include:
(a) a completed application cover sheet (download in .pdf format or .doc format);
(b) an essay of not more than 500 words explaining the genesis of the collection, what its interest is to the owner, and ideas for future development;
(c) a bibliographic list of the books, with brief annotations (maximum 10 A4 sides in all, including the essay).
Informal enquiries are welcomed by Liam Sims, Rare Books Specialist (tel: 01223 333123; email:ls457@cam.ac.uk). Entries (in PDF or Word format) should be submitted by email to ls457@cam.ac.uk. Please ensure that your name appears only on the cover sheet; essays are shortlisted anonymously.
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