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 account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the lives and contributions of the individuals who played pivotal roles in establishing the British Museum from 1570 to 1870, highlighting both renowned and lesser-known benefactors. Through detailed narratives, the book aims to illustrate the collective efforts that shaped this significant national institution. The opening of the book provides a rich contextual framework for understanding the origins of the British Museum. It emphasizes that the museum's foundation was primarily built on the generosity of private collectors like Sir Robert Cotton and William Courten rather than government initiatives. The introduction outlines significant contributions made by these early collectors, alongside their motivations driven by a sense of duty to future generations. Edwards sets the stage for a biographical exploration of the prominent figures whose legacies are interwoven with the museum's development, beginning with a tribute to Cotton and his substantial library, which laid the groundwork for the national repository of knowledge.