Friends of the University of Adelaide Library

Barr Smith Discovery Series

Simon Vandenbergh: 18th Century radical publisher

The Friends of the University of Adelaide Library invite you to a free public lecture with Judy Green on Thursday 23 April 2009 at 1.05pm

Venue: Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide

Simon Vandenbergh (1728-1808), from a Netherlands book trade family, established himself as a London bookseller and publisher of often controversial authors. These included the subversive Albert Radicati, arrested for maintaining the moral right to end one's life; the Chevalier d'Eon, cross-dressing agent provocateur; and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams whose Odes, satirising William Pitt, the Government tried to suppress. Vandenbergh also published titles in the fine arts and anatomy. He was present at the auction of Dr Johnson's library and bid successfully for Cook's Voyages at £2.00.

Judy Green has worked in the libraries of the Australian National University and the University of New England. She had experience with the Australian Universities & Colleges International Development Project (IDP) in Indonesia and became Head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia Publications Office.
A keen researcher, Judy has been researching the little-known life and career of Simon Vandenberg for ten years. Her interest developed when she discovered Simon Vandenberg featured in her family tree.

Judy Green's research has made extensive use of items in the Barr Smith Library Special Collections, a selection of which will be on display.

Bookings by Tuesday 21 April to:
Email: robina.weir@adelaide.edu.au
Telephone: 8303 4064

Admission is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited.

Paul Wilkins
Deputy University Librarian
Barr Smith Library