Exhibition of Scarce Original Kant Publications at the Latvian National Library

News Article: A Journey Through Time at the National Library of Latvia's Immanuel Kant Exhibition

Stepping into the National Library of Latvia (LNB) this September, visitors are in for an intellectual adventure. The library is hosting an exhibition as part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of Immanuel Kant, the renowned philosopher whose works shaped the revolution of thought in Enlightenment Europe.

The display, titled "Immanuel Kant Jubilee: An International Forum", offers a unique opportunity to delve into the magic of old books. Dr. philol. Paul Daija, the LNB's research manager, explains that the purpose of the display is to allow visitors to "travel through time and enter the world of books from the Enlightenment."

The exhibition features the first editions of Kant's works, which were originally published in the city of Königsberg, now known as Kaliningrad. These rare volumes and first editions, now part of LNB's collection, were also published in Riga, Jelgava, and Liepāja.

Among the treasures on display are notes of Kant's lectures made by 18th century students, providing a glimpse into the philosopher's teachings. The display also includes Kant's books with notes and underlinings, offering insights into the reactions of the first readers to his philosophy.

In addition to the historical materials, the exhibition showcases modern studies on Kant in various languages. These studies, along with a selection of LNB's collection, promise to enrich the understanding of Kant's works for both the library's readers and guests.

The display spans two floors: the second and fifth floors of the LNB. For those interested in learning more about Kant's connections to Riga and Latvia, a separate feature is available.

The international forum dedicated to the anniversary of Immanuel Kant is being held from September 23 to 28. The forum promises to be a vibrant exchange of ideas, with scholars from around the world coming together to discuss Kant's works and their relevance today.

To find out more about the exhibition and the forum, visit the LNB's website at https://www.lnb.lv/imanuela-kanta-jubilejas-gada-notiks-starptautisks-forums-prats-riga/. The Humanities and Social Sciences Isaiah Berlin Reading Room at LNB regularly adds to its collection, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in philosophy and the history of ideas. So, come and embark on an intellectual journey through time at the National Library of Latvia this September!