This year we are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Estonian book.

The oldest Estonian-language book in our collection is Kuidas põllumees rikkaks saab : Kaks könet Pärnu Eesti põllumeeste seltsis pidanud C. R. Jakobson. Tartu, 1874 / How a Farmer Becomes Rich : Two Lectures Given at the Pärnu Estonian Farmers' Society by C. R. Jakobson. Tartu, 1874.

 

Every beginning is fragile.

Early Estonian-language publications are thin booklets with few illustrations, but the effort to share knowledge in the native language is evident in all of them. A century and a half later, the possibilities and tools are incomparable.

 

In addition to the content of the work, the appearance of the book - illustration, font, print and binding design - has always been evaluated. Rankings have been compiled and exhibitions have been held.

The first Estonian book design competition, 25 Best, took place in 1958 and continued until 1987. After a pause, the competition was revived in 1998 under the name 25 Most Beautiful Books.

 

It is great to know that one of the 25 books that received attention in the 1963 competition was Julius Tehver’s Loomade histoloogia / Histology of Animals. The jury's evaluation of the book was as follows: The cover design of the work is not particularly successful in terms of colors. However, the print quality was very good.

 

Inspired by these competitions, we are presenting a small selection of the oldest and most recent best books from the areas of responsibility of the Estonian University of Life Sciences (agriculture, forestry, engineering and technology, health and food, environment, and rural economy). The selection was made based on subjective assessments by our library staff and from our collections.

 

We offer you the opportunity to reflect on the meaning, nature, and evolution of the book over the centuries through this exhibition.

 

Happy 500th anniversary, Estonian Book!