Introduction

The origin of the library goes back to the foundation of the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities in 1786. The core of the library consists of some special collections that was transferred to the Academy during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The library's collection of old and rare books is kept in the Rare Book Room. They are available for reference use only. Library visitors can search for books placed in the Rare Book Room in the catalogue Katalog -1974 and order them for use in the Reading Room.

The Rosenhane Collection of Topographical and Historical Books and Pictures

A second large donation of books was given to the Academy in 1822. The heirs of Schering Rosenhane, the younger (1754-1812), a member of the Academy, donated his collection of books, prints, maps etc to the Academy. It comprises about 80 metres of books and other materials in excellent condition. The bindings are contemporary, made by the best bookbinders of Sweden.

The collection is kept together as a unit. It contains books primarily in the subject areas of Swedish topography and Nordic history, and a collection of Swedish journals and magazines. Furthermore, there are considerable numbers of dissertations, historical and political pamphlets and funeral orations. The picture collection includes about 40 watercolours by the Swedish 18th century artist Elias Martin.

Some Minor Early Special Collections

Johan David Flintenberg (1762-1819), Director General of the Central Board of National Antiquities (today: National Heritage Board), donated a collection of dissertations to the Academy in 1812. The collection had formed part of his lending library.

The library of Johan Gustaf Liljegren (1791-1837), Director General of the Central Board of National Antiquities, was purchased and included in the library in 1834.

A part of the library of the Götiska förbundet, together with the archival collection, was given to the Academy in 1844. This collection is described in: Förteckning över Götiska förbundets och Jacob Adlerbeths arkiv, published by Antikvarisk-topografiska arkivet in 1984.

At an auction in 1805 about 30 books, formerly owned by Carl Fredrik Fredenheim, were acquired by the Academy.

The Hildebrand Collection

Family members of Hans Hildebrand (1842-1913), Director General of the Central Board of National Antiquities, donated his library to the Academy in the 1960s. The collection which is kept together, covers about 110 metres of books. It consists of books primarily in the areas of archaeology, history, cultural history, art and architecture, published in the 19th century.

Bibliotheca Monteliana

The largest and from a scientific standpoint, most valuable donation to the library is Oscar Montelius' collection of archaeological literature. Montelius (1843-1921), Director General of the Central Board of National Antiquities, brought together one of the largest private collections of books of its day. The collection contains about 9 000 books and about 7 000 pamphlets and reprints. It is not kept as a closed collection, but is according to the donor's wishes dispersed in the general collection of books. It is listed in its entirety in a printed catalogue. Bibliotheca Monteliana: catalogue of Oscar Montelius' collection of books, included in the library of the Kungl. Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien, Stockholm, ed. by Maja Lundqvist. (KVHAA Handlingar; 57.) Stockholm, 1943. The catalogue is still available. Send your order to the library.

Contact:

Contact the library via e-mail

See also:
The Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities
The Royal Coin Cabinet