Pictured: Chris Cassell, SCA Trustee and NLS, Professor Robert Bartlett, John Pelan, SCA Director

A packed audience heard Professor Robert Bartlett CBE, FBA, FRSE gave a talk about his recent book, History in Flames on Tuesday 3rd December in the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Professor Bartlett talked about the political and military events that preceded the moment of destruction, from the Franco-Prussian War and the Irish Civil War to the complexities of World War II, and he highlighted the heroic efforts made by scholars and archivists to preserve these manuscripts, even partially. His lecture reminded us that historical knowledge rests on material remains, and that these remains are vulnerable.

SCA is very grateful to trustee Chris Cassells and the National Library of Scotland for hosting the event.