The collection of books belonged to Professor Lalage Bown, who died last December aged 94 in Shrewsbury, and who was revered as someone dedicated to the global advancement of adult education, with a focus particularly on women.
Her work in Africa spanned 30 years and saw her named “Mother of Adult Education in Africa” on her 70th birthday, one of many honors bestowed during her long career which has also seen writing or contributing to numerous books and articles on her specialty.
Professor Bown has amassed a significant collection of books, and this part of his legacy is set to go under the hammer at Cuttlestone’s Wolverhampton auction halls on Thursday September 15.
The collection, which comprises around 8,000 volumes, includes a large number of scholarly texts and articles, but also reflects Lalage’s voracious appetite for reading for pleasure.
Alongside topics related to his academic specialty, such as community education, lifelong learning, and adult literacy, are tomes of poetry, literature, politics, and biographies of fascinating individuals who have accomplished great things in their lives.
There are also books on history, travel and topography, many of which relate to her adopted hometown of Shrewsbury and surrounding areas, where she spent her later years.
Other lots include books of African and feminist interest, many with personal dedications to her, and a slew of modern fiction, including crime and award-winning novels.
Cuttlestones book expert Rosie Blackburn said: “Lalage was a fascinating character and her accomplishments in advancing adult education, both at home and abroad, mean that she is held in very high esteem in academic circles.
“She was also a beloved member of the Shrewsbury community, so in addition to scholars working in her field, general bibliophiles and those with a keen interest in the Shrewsbury area, we anticipate strong local interest from the from those who wish to acquire a memento of the life of a truly remarkable woman.
Professor Lalage Bown’s collection of books will go under the hammer at the Cuttlestones Specialist Collectors sale on the afternoon of Thursday 15 September at Wolverhampton Auction Houses.
Online auction, commission and telephone options are available live and the catalog will go live from Friday 9th September at cuttlestones.co.uk
