LV Life

Rare books to be displayed in library

The University of La Verne’s Wilson Library is in possession of two original copies of the “The Bloody Theatre,” also known as “The Martyr’s Mirror.” These books were originally printed in Ephrata, Pa., in 1748 in German and were among the largest books made—at the time. / photo by Brian Murphy
The University of La Verne’s Wilson Library is in possession of two original copies of the “The Bloody Theatre,” also known as “The Martyr’s Mirror.” These books were originally printed in Ephrata, Pa., in 1748 in German and were among the largest books made—at the time. / photo by Brian Murphy

by Cory Cruz
Staff Writer

Crucifixion. Burning at the stake. Death by stoning. How far would a person be willing to go to stand up for what he believes in? In two rare books that will be on display in the new Wilson Library next year, that question, along with many other interesting facts, will be explored.

There are two copies of “Martyr’s Mirror,” a book depicting the trials and tribulations through stories and pictures of the Mennonites and others dying for what they believe in. The books were originally printed in 1660, but the copies which the library obtained were printed in German in Pennsylvania in 1748. The library has had one copy since 1955 and obtained the other one in 1983, which also has an English translation.

The exhibit of these two books has traveled across the country and made numerous stops, including Upland, Calif. Also in the exhibit were some of the original copper plates used to print the books. After the last printing, the 30 plates were taken and hidden for protection in the walls of a house.

In the early ’70s, the house was torn down and the plates were discovered. The Mennonites bought about 25 of them, the rest are on display around the country.

The exhibit, as well as the books, shows how people were killed for choosing to practice another religion, as well as going against things that they did not believe in. These books trace the history of religious persecution all the way back to the times of Jesus Christ, but contains many incidents from the 1550’s, when practicing another religion was not tolerated.

“It helps raise for our day the question of what beliefs we are willing to die for,” said Dr. Marlin Heckman, head librarian.

A man by the name of Jacob Mummet donated these books, as well as others, to the library after his death. Mummet strongly believed that there were not enough antique books like these in the west coast, so he bought them and took them with him to San Francisco. Since his daughter and grand-daughter went to the University of La Verne and he knew Dr. Heckman, he knew they would be in good hands and remain on the west coast.

Right now the books are being kept in a safe place, but once the new library opens, this display, as well as others, will be shown to the public.

Dr. Heckman feels that these rare books are here for appropriate use, not as a museum piece. As long as people are truly interested, he said he would be willing to go through the books with people and discuss them.

This is not the first time books have been given to the University library. Thirteen hundred old mystery novels were donated after the children of the benefactor did not want them. The books are in fairly good condition except for a few of them.

“People hesitate to donate books to the library when they see that there is not enough room,” said Dr. Heckman.

Dr. Heckman hopes that with the new, larger library, more rare books will be donated.

Cory Cruz
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Brian Murphy
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