An Invaluable Gift for Princeton University

The Princeton University library has the honour of becoming the new home of 2500 rare books and manuscripts, among which are the first six editions of the Bible, Beethoven's original music, the first printing of Shakespeare's works, as well as a first edition of the United States Declaration of Independence. 

This is the most significant donation in the history of the institution as it includes several extremely valuable cultural artefacts. The generous contribution comes courtesy of the philanthropist William Scheide, who passed away in November of last year, at the age of 100. He is also a Princeton alum himself, having graduated from his studies in 1936. 

"I cannot imagine a more incredible collection. It will become the heart of our library," shared Christopher Eisgruber, the Dean of Princeton. "We are very grateful for the legacy of dedication to our university left behind by William Scheide, as well as his desire to share his breath-taking collection with our students and our academics for generations to come."