Rukopisy v knihovně olomouckého biskupa Karla z Lichtensteinu-Castelcorna

The relation between manuscript and printed books, their interaction and competition cannot be limited to the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. Manuscripts accompanied human activity far into the modern period - not only in official matters but also in the area falling under codicology. The progressing research into the Kroměříž Chateau library, specifically its beginnings associated with the bishop of Olomouc Karl von Liechtenstein-Castelcorno (1624-1695), provides the opportunity to identify and assess the manuscripts that the bishop gathered during his life. His fondness for books has long been known and appreciated, but this seems to have applied only to printed publications, not to manuscripts. At least for the time being, there are no known records of major acquisitions of medieval codices or the establishment of a Kunstkammer (‘wonder room’) containing rare books. This would not have corresponded to his practical nature and focus on solving topical problems of his time (recatholicisation, the restoration of the residential network of bishoprics, the stabilisation and development of economic administration).