English Bibles from the Fleming Collection
[ These items are no longer on exhibition. ]
(images courtesy of Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives)
Sam M. Fleming, the former president and chairman of Third National Bank, was the president of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust from 1975 to 1981. Alexander Heard, Chancellor during Fleming's board presidency, said, "Sam was the most authentically generous person I have ever known. He gave not for the credit or recognition that the gift would bring but because of his belief in the cause to which he was giving." In 1968 Mr. Fleming donated his Bible collection to the Joint University Library.
The exhibit has been placed in the round atrium and by the entrance of the Reference Room in the Divinity Library. The publication dates of the Bibles range from 1597 to 1962. (A digital copy of the description of the collection can be viewed here.) Some Bibles have stamped leather covers embellished with intricate brass decorations. Several images of the detailed and well-designed title pages from the Bibles are also on display.
The exhibit was prepared by Charlotte Lew, with assistance and advice from Kathy Smith, of Special Collections.