Marks of Genius: Masterpieces from the Collections of the Bodleian Libraries

What sets Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein apart from so many other famous works of fiction? What special combination of creativity and vision made possible the drafting of Magna Carta? When describing exceptional accomplishments like these - and the men and women behind them - we use the word ‘genius’. And while genius is difficult to define, we all recognize that elusive, special quality when we encounter it.

Marks of Genius pays tribute to some of the most remarkable testaments to genius throughout human history, from ancient texts on papyrus and the extraordinary medieval manuscript The Douce Apocalypse to the renowned children’s work The Wind in the Willows. Bringing together some of the most impressive treasures from the collections of the Bodleian Libraries, it tells the story of the creation of each work and its afterlife, offering insight into the breadth and depth of its influence as well as its power to fascinate.

Illustrating works from Euclid, Dante and Handel to Einstein, Austen and Gandhi, Marks of Genius showcases over 100 books and manuscripts that constitute the pinnacle of human creativity and which we continue to revere and revisit.