Lives of the Founders of the British Museum, Part 1 of 2 With Notices of Its Chief Augmentors and Other Benefactors, 1570-1870.

"Lives of the Founders of the British Museum, Part 1 of 2" by Edward Edwards is a historical exploration of the people who were essential to the British Museum's creation from 1570 to 1870. Rather than concentrating on the state's involvement, it shines a light on the important contributions of dedicated people, both famous and not. The book shows how people who wanted to give something back to society created this amazing place that holds so much knowledge, focusing on the motivations of early collectors like Sir Robert Cotton and William Courten, who believed they had a responsibility to future generations. The book starts with Cotton and his impressive library, clearly showing us that it was through private libraries the incredible museum was founded.