The word "Harleian" is spelled with the letters H-A-R-L-E-I-A-N. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /hɑːliən/. The word refers to anything relating to the Harleian Collection, a library of manuscripts accumulated by Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, and his son Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, in the 18th century. The collection is now housed in the British Library and contains over 7,000 manuscripts and 14,000 printed books. The spelling of the word "Harleian" reflects its origin from the surname "Harley."
Harleian refers to something that is related to or associated with the renowned Harleian collection, which is a significant library of manuscripts, rare books, and other materials. The collection is named after Robert Harley, the 1st Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, who amassed a vast assortment of literary and historical works during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
The Harleian collection is widely recognized for its comprehensive scope, comprising over 7,000 manuscripts and around 14,000 printed books. It encompasses an immense variety of subjects, including history, genealogy, literature, theology, and philosophy, among others. The collection's fame stems not only from its size, but also from the remarkable quality and rarity of many of the included works.
Furthermore, the term "Harleian" can specifically denote any manuscript or book that is part of the Harleian collection. This association signifies an esteemed level of scholarship and historical significance within the academic and antiquarian communities.
Moreover, the adjective "Harleian" is sometimes used more broadly to describe other collections or items that share similarities with the Harleian collection in terms of antiquity, diversity, or scholarly value. It can connote a sense of refinement, erudition, and cultural importance, highlighting the esteemed nature of the Harleian tradition.
The word "Harleian" is derived from the name of the famous Harleian Library, which was established by Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, in the 18th century. The library, known for its extensive collection of manuscripts, books, and documents, was named after its founder. Over time, the term "Harleian" came to be used as an adjective to describe anything related to or originating from the Harleian Library or its collections. This includes Harleian manuscripts, Harleian style bindings, Harleian catalogues, etc.