Oriental Collection reading group

Wednesday 28th February 15.00-16.00, and Monday 11th March 16.00-17.00
Armitage Room, Queens’ College (Silver Street)

This newly founded student-led research, reading and discussion group sets out to explore some of the hidden histories of Queens’ Library's vast ‘Oriental collection’ (Kennett Memorial Library).

The collection highlights the study of non-European languages, religions, and cultures in Cambridge and Europe more broadly, featuring books from the seventeenth to the early 20th centuries. The hands-on exploration of this historical body of scholarship allows us to re-think fundamental questions of the humanities and the social sciences through the lens of concrete objects: How has the expansion of European knowledge systems taken shape, and are there ways to escape Eurocentric frameworks? How has European Orientalism facilitated, and at times subverted, colonial expansion? What actors have contributed to the study of non-European cultures, and how have their accomplishments been acknowledged in the past?

The first session will feature an introduction to the origin, objectives, and limitations of European Oriental studies, followed by a workshop and hands-on exploration of selected items from the rare books collection.

No prior knowledge is expected. The group is designed as an accessible, low-intensity opportunity for students to roam, discuss, and explore this fascinating collection away from the pressures of essays, deadlines, and examinations. The group will follow the interests of those attending, and we also hope to have presentations and speakers in the future. The group is open to all members of the university.

Please register your interest to attend. This form is to both indicate interest in the group, and join our mailing list, but also to book onto the initial two sessions: https://forms.gle/QtV4JQL8t28isrKu6

If you would like to learn more about the collection please visit the following: