Deciphering personal histories through bookplates at HSNY's Library: A Fascinating Walk through Time

Every piece of literature has a compelling tale to tell and sometimes, that tale lies not just within the pages, but extends to the bookplates as well. Such profound discoveries can be found in the library of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY). The library, named after Jost Bürgi, a brilliant clockmaker and mathematician, is a treasure trove of books mostly acquired secondhand by one ardent bibliophile, Fortunat Mueller-Maerki.

These books carry embedded within them, imprints of their former owners; inscriptions, marks and names that add unique layers of fascination to each book. One such distinctive feature found in several of these books is the bookplate, a printed expression of ownership. Bookplates, in their eloquent designs, often offer captivating glimpses into the personalities of their past owners. Many of these bookplates incoporate horological themes, a testament to the library’s emphasis on the study of time and timekeepers.