From Python to Hall: Medieval texts rehomed

Students, librarians and academics snapped up the contents of over 30 boxes of books donated by actor, writer and Aularian Terry Jones last week.

The former Monty Python star is a medieval scholar and Chaucerian expert, and many of the donated books reflect the extent of his research and studies. As such they are of great academic value for students, staff and the library at the College.

Over 700 of his books are now useful additions to bookshelves across the Hall, and the Principal and Fellows extend their gratitude to Terry for his generosity.

The donation follows Terry’s recent loan of his own working copy of the screenplay for Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Oxford’s Bodleian library. The script currently features in an exhibition that celebrates the stories of medieval romance.

Below: Keith Gull, St Edmund Hall Principal (left), and Simon Costa, Senior and Finance Bursar (right) collecting the books from Terry Jones.