Freiherrlich Riedesel'sche Private Library (Altenburg)

Haus Riedesel zu Eisenbach transferred its historical library to the Kassel University Library on permanent loan in 1981. The more than 6,500 volumes were previously housed in Altenburg Castle (near Alsfeld).

The library of the Freiherren Riedesel was built up according to plan between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries, which is also reflected in its holdings structure. About half of the prints date from the period between 1750 and 1800, the majority of the remaining stock was acquired between 1801 and 1850.

The collection focuses on classic editions, often in first editions, as well as on travelogues. The holdings of periodicals and monographs on literary, economic and scientific topics are also noteworthy.

The holdings are listed under call number 39 and are fully recorded in KARLA. It can be ordered for use in the reading room of the special collections or via interlibrary loan.