In June, the Bodleian Library of Oxford University purchased the "Book of Strange Arts and Visual Delights", an Arabic manuscript from the late 12th or early 13th century. In June, 2002, the Bodleian Library made an important purchase, the "Book of Strange Arts and Visual Delights." This manuscript, which consists of 48 folios, includes two world maps and astronomical diagrams, and is thought to be a 12th or 13th century copy of an earlier work. The manuscript is in a very fragile state and was on display for a limited time. Conservationists at the library are now working to preserve the manuscript and a plans have been made to provide a copy by the end of 2002.

For more information on the "Book of Strange Arts and Visual Delights" or for information on the Bodleian Library's 400th anniversary exhibition, "Wonderful Things from 400 Years of Collecting: the Bodleian Library, 1602-2002," visit the website.