Hard times for 19th century library of over 8,000 rare books Aug 29, 2012 NEW DELHI: In the days of the Raj, when the English aristocracy travelled to India in the 18th and 19th centuries, they would often occupy themselves with books during the long sea journeys that could last over a month. Bulky tomes with heavy subjects were, evidently, a popular option. Close to 8,000 such books, donated by the British travelers, are currently housed in a corner of Chandni Chowk at the Hardayal Municipal Public Library, among the oldest in the city. Called the "rare books collection" they include a 1677 edition of Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World and a Herodotus volume in the original Greek from 1826. But these books, like the library, are currently facing a threat. (snip) http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-29/delhi/33583072_1_rare-books-general-stacks-library-officials ---- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar