Zwischen Corvey und Arolsen

Abstract Two historical libraries which experienced different twists of fate are examined in the present paper, namely the library of the Princely Abbey of Corvey and the Court Library of the Counts of Waldeck and Pyrmont. In Corvey, the spectrum of collection situations ranges from dispersion and even destruction to the construction of a new library. Arolsen Castle in Waldeck keeps an ensemble of holdings in its Court Library, which has sent donations and inventory sales throughout the entire world. Significant inventory losses during the Reformation, through binder’s waste, or during the Thirty Years War are to be replaced. Historical library conditions and developments can be successfully reconstructed by way of research, library holding indexing and notifications, as well as digitalization.