A collection of 684 rare 19th-century books and documents acquired by the Instituto Flávia Abubakir will be digitized and made available for research.
For over five decades, Richard C. Ramer, an American rare book dealer, dedicated his life to collecting significant literary works from families across Europe, the United States, and Brazil. He became a notable figure in the rare book market while traversing between New York and Lisbon, acquiring a coveted collection that attracted numerous collectors. Ramer passed away recently, leaving behind a valuable collection that includes 684 books, documents, and pamphlets printed in the 19th century from the first printing presses in Portuguese America.
The collection was sold to the Flávia Abubakir Institute, which has locations in Salvador, Brazil, and Crans Montana, Switzerland, and is set to undergo digitization starting in April. This initiative allows important historical documents to be accessible to researchers and the general public, fostering an appreciation for Brazil's rich printing history during the 19th century. Frank Abubakir, a businessman associated with the institute, described these items as small treasures that are unique and irreplaceable, emphasizing their significance in the landscape of rare books.
This effort signifies a noteworthy contribution to the accessibility of historical texts and insights into Brazil's cultural heritage. Digital archiving plays a pivotal role in preserving these rare works, especially as many are not luxuriously produced but hold immense historical value. The digitization process will ensure that researchers and enthusiasts alike can examine these singular pieces that are otherwise unavailable in other libraries.
