Special Collections: Collection of Premier Proverb Scholar Opens at University of Vermont

From the Associated Press:

University of Vermont Professor Wolfgang Mieder, thought to be the world’s premier paroemiologist, has been studying the concise statements for 50 years, amassing thousands of books and writings that are now housed in a new unique library named after him at the school.

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The extensive library of about 9,000 volumes ranges from colleges of proverb including German, Chinese, Turkish and Hungarian to thousands of books and dissertations on what proverbs are, their origins and function. It includes, of course, Mieder’s own writings.

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Mieder talked with UVM’s library officials but the school had no room for the books. That was until recently.

In 2018, the school had just renovated a building that it considers to be its most architecturally important — the Billings Library — which over the years was no longer serving as a library. But a large lounge that returned to its original function as a reading and study room — with long tables — was lacking something on the rich wood-grained walls.

“A room without books is like a body without soul,” as the proverb goes.

Mieder’s collection soon found a home. The library opened in May.

Read the Complete Article

See Also: Learn MUCH More via this August 2019 Article from the University of Vermont

See Also: 2017 Interview with Dr. Mieder

Filed under: Archives and Special Collections, Interviews, Libraries, News, Profiles