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Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613) was an English diplomat, scholar and the founder of the Bodleian Library in Oxford, which has been a cornerstone of English intellectual inquiry for centuries. Born in Exeter, Devon, Bodley studied at Magdalen College, Oxford before embarking on a career in academia and diplomacy. He pursued scholarly interests and was a fervent promoter of education and learning. In 1602, he refounded the University of Oxford's library, which had fallen into disrepair, and established it as the Bodleian Library, ensuring that it remains one of the oldest and most prestigious libraries in Europe. Bodley was not a prolific author, but his autobiographical work, 'The Life of Sir Thomas Bodley, written by himself', offers a window into his life and the Elizabethan era. This work remains a valuable resource for historians studying the period and provides personal insights into the motivations behind his lifelong dedication to the advancement of learning. His literary style in the autobiographical narrative reflects the hallmarks of Renaissance humanism, with clear and articulate prose, demonstrating his commitment to the dissemination of knowledge and education. Bodley's legacy, therefore, is as much in his contributions to preserving and promoting literature and knowledge as it is in any specific written works. |
