This two-volume set, originally published in 1986, investigates the history of the University Library at the University of Cambridge.

Volume 1: List of illustrations; Preface; Abbreviations; 1. The beginnings; 2. From Rotherham to Tunstal; 3. The library during the English Reformation; 4. The Restoration of the library in 1574; 5. Perne's work continued: 1577¿98; 6. Futilities and frustrations, 1600¿28; 7. Abraham Whelock; 8. Abraham Whelock continued; 9. Orientalia; 10. The Lambeth Library at Cambridge; 11. Some memorials of benefactors, 1653¿9; 12. The work undone, 1659¿64; 13. The library of Richard Holdsworth; 14. Henry Lucas and Tobias Rustat; 15. Peachey succeeds Dobson: Hacket's request; 16. Miscellaneous accessions, 1664¿84; 17. From Robert Peachey to John Laughton; 18. Into the eighteenth century; Appendix; Index of manuscripts; General index. Volume 2: List of illustrations; Preface and acknowledgements; Abbreviations; 1. Introduction: national expectations; 2. The Copyright Act of 1710; 3. John Moore and his circle; 4. The making of the Royal Library; 5. The challenge of the Royal Library; 6. Benefactors, curiosities and strangers; 7. New buildings and old problems; 8. Richard Farmer; 9. Thomas Kerrich; 10. The national stage: the Copyright Act of 1814; 11. The end of the old regime; 12. 'Doctrinae et scientiae incrementa'; 13. Joseph Power and the distribution of responsibility; 14. The copyright agency; 15. New directions; 16. Turbulent years: J. E. B. Mayor; 17. Bradshaw in command; 18. Other men's flowers; 19. Bradshaw at bay; Appendix: list of librarians, 1686¿1886; Index of manuscripts; General index.