Die Bibliothek der Franckeschen Stiftungen

The library of the Francke Foundations in Halle is one of the most precious treasures that August Hermann Francke (1663–1727) left to posterity. Its significant historical collection is housed in Germany's oldest purpose-built library, on the original 18th-century shelves. By 1721, the library, which began as a small collection of books for students at the end of the 17th century, already contained around 18,000 volumes, making it one of the largest publicly accessible libraries in the German-speaking world in the 18th century. The ever-growing book collection made it necessary to build a new building a little later. This was completed in 1728 and, with its preserved magazine room and its backdrop-like bookshelves, is still the face of the library today. 

The photo book provides insights into the history of the library, describes the library building and also focuses on the people who have used, shaped and influenced this place for centuries. A separate chapter is devoted to the book treasures, presenting both the characteristics of this collection – Pietistica and books from the orphanage – and the special features of this library. However, the focus of this illustrated book is the Kulissenbibliothek, the 18th-century book room, which presents itself to the viewer in ever-changing ways depending on the time of day and the incidence of light. The atmospheric images succeed in presenting a place of books that seems to hold secrets and invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the world of the 18th century. 

Photographer and book designer Klaus E. Göltz took numerous photographs of the library and its books and designed the layout of this illustrated book. The text was written by Brigitte Klosterberg, long-time director of the August Hermann Francke Study Centre and a proven expert on the library.

This book is published in German.