Charles E. Mudie Collection, 1816-1897

The collection is arranged in two major series: correspondence and mixed materials. Correspondence is arranged in alphabetical order.

Mudie, Charles E. (1818-1890)

Charles Edward Mudie (1818-1890) was a publisher, author, and the founder of Mudie's Select Library. Located initially in London, Mudie introduced through his innovative library the concept of lending books by way of a circulating system operated by membership. With the help of his wife Mary and son Arthur Oliver, Mudie established during the Victorian era a network with publishers and writers to support and maintain the library. Collections of books in the library were curated or selected by Mudie in accordance with Victorian morals, limiting titles to subjects pertaining to science, biographies, fiction and "adventure" (travel). The lending of books operated by having multiple copies available for subscribers to borrow. The concept of Mudie's Select Library proved successful with the opening of three branches outside of London, in York, Manchester and Birmingham. Upon his dead in 1890, his son Arthur Oliver Mudie succeeded him as Chairman of the Library. Author: Ana D. Rodriguez

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