Thomas James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas James
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Thomas James, portrait attributed to Gilbert Jackson.
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| Born | c. 1573 |
| Died | August 1629 (aged 55–56) Oxford, England
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| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | New College, Oxford |
| Academic work | |
| Main interests | first librarian of the Bodleian Library |
| Notable ideas | library catalogue |
Thomas James (born around 1573, died August 1629) was an English librarian and church leader. He is famous for being the very first librarian of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
Contents
Thomas James's Story
Early Life and Education
Thomas James was born around 1573 in Newport, Isle of Wight. When he was about 13, in 1586, he became a student at Winchester College.
Later, in 1592, he joined New College, Oxford. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1595. He continued his studies, getting his master's degree in 1599.
Becoming the First Bodleian Librarian
In 1593, Thomas James became a fellow at New College. He stayed there until 1602. He knew a lot about books. He was also very good at reading old handwritten documents, called manuscripts.
He could even spot fake writings! Because of these skills, he was chosen for a very important job. He became the first librarian of the new library founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in Oxford.
At the same time, he also became the rector (a type of priest) at St Aldate's Church in Oxford.
His Work at the Bodleian Library
Thomas James did many important things for the Bodleian Library. In 1605, he created a special catalogue for all the books. This first catalogue grouped books by their topics.
Later, in 1620, he made a new catalogue. This one listed books in alphabetical order by author.
Getting More Books
Thomas James had a great idea in 1610. He suggested that the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers (a group of publishers) should give the Bodleian Library a copy of every book they published. This agreement helped the library grow much bigger.
He also helped create the rules for Oxford University. He was very good at finding errors in old texts. He even got permission to look at manuscripts in other college libraries. He took some of these old books, especially religious ones, and gave them to the Bodleian Library in 1601. He also donated sixty printed books.
Salary and Personal Life
Sir Thomas Bodley chose James to be his librarian. The university agreed in 1602. James's first salary was £22 13s. 4d. each year. But he said he would quit if it wasn't raised to £30 or £40 a year.
Bodley agreed and slowly increased his pay. By 1611, James was earning £40 a year. On September 14, 1602, he also became the rector of St. Aldate's Church. Two months later, in October, he married Ann Underhill.
These actions went against what Bodley originally wanted for his librarian. Bodley wanted his librarian to focus only on the library and not be married or a church leader. However, Bodley eventually approved of James's choices.
Later Years and Resignation
In December 1610, thanks to James's idea, the library started getting copies of all new books from the Stationers' Company. In 1614, James became a sub-dean at Wells. In 1617, he became the rector of Mongeham, Kent.
By May 1620, Thomas James had to leave his job as librarian. He was not well and his health was getting worse. He died in Oxford in August 1629 and was buried in New College Chapel.
Thomas James's Writings
Thomas James was also a writer and editor. His first works were translations. He translated an Italian book about the 'Canticle of Canticles' in 1597. He also translated a French book called The Moral Philosophy of the Stoicks in 1598.
He then edited a famous book called The Philobiblon by Richard de Bury in 1599. He dedicated this book to Sir Thomas Bodley. In his dedication, James praised Bodley for helping to restart the Oxford library.
Important Catalogues and Research
His research in college libraries led to his book 'Ecloga Oxonio-Cantabrigiensis' in 1600. This book listed manuscripts in Oxford and Cambridge college libraries. It also included notes on religious texts.
His first library catalogue, the "Index Alphabeticus," came out in 1605. It had 8,700 entries and was dedicated to Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales. This catalogue listed both printed books and manuscripts. They were grouped into four main areas: theology, medicine, law, and arts.
A second edition of the catalogue came out in 1620. This one used only one alphabetical list of names. In 1604, Bodley pointed out some mistakes James made with Hebrew manuscripts. He suggested James should check with Hebrew scholars.
Before 1611, James was part of a group working on the famous Authorised Version of the Bible.
Other Works
Thomas James wrote many other books, mostly about religion and history. Some of his notable works include:
- 'Bellum Papale' (1600), which discussed differences between two Popes.
- 'Concordantiæ sanctorum Patrum' (1607), about religious writings.
- 'An Apologie for John Wickliffe' (1608), defending John Wycliffe.
- 'Bellum Gregorianum' (1610), about changes made by the Church of Rome.
- 'A Treatise of the Corruption of Scripture, Counsels, and Fathers' (1611), which argued against certain religious views.
- 'The Jesuits Downefall' (1612), about the Jesuits.
- 'Index generalis sanctorum Patrum' (1624).
- 'G. Wicelii Methodus Concordiæ Ecclesiasticæ' (1625), about Georg Witzel.
- 'Vindiciæ Gregorianæ' (1625), restoring texts by Gregory the Great.
- 'A Manuduction or Introduction unto Divinitie' (1625), arguing against certain religious groups.
- 'The humble … Request of T. James to the Church of England' (1625), about religious books.
- 'An Explanation or Enlarging of the Ten Articles' (1625).
- 'Specimen Corruptelarum Pontificiorum' (1626).
- 'Index generalis librorum prohibitorum a Pontificiis' (1627), a list of books forbidden by the Pope.
James also edited 'Fiscus Papalis' (1617), which listed indulgences and relics. In 1608, he edited John Wycliffe's 'Two short Treatises against the Orders of the Begging Friars.'
Some of his handwritten papers are kept in the Lambeth Palace Library. These include notes on theologians and a list of English bishops. The Bodleian Library also has some of his notes on religious leaders. Letters between James and Sir Robert Bruce Cotton are also preserved.
