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The Library Inscriptions

Interior Inscriptions 3

Reference Area, East Wall

An imposing wooden panel is seen on entering the Reference area. It is inscribed with the words

GRAMMATA • SOLA • CARENT • FATO

[ THE WRITTEN WORD ALONE FLOUTS DESTINY ]

Picture of inscription "GRAMMATA SOLA..."

The Latin phrase is from the poem “Nullum opus exsurgit...” (line 3), by the 9th century abbot, Hrabanus Maurus. The translation is from Helen Waddell’s Mediæval Latin Lyrics (New York, 1977, pages 106-7).

The panel of Honduras mahogany measures 10 feet by 14 inches. The inscription was carved in classic Roman capitals by John Benson. The panel was installed on August 23, 1995.

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