This beautifully illustrated and elegantly designed guide is the first to offer an informative walk through the Library's exquisite galleries, and showcases many of the highlights of the collection. These include Egyptian papyrus texts, illuminated Bibles and Qur'ans, medieval and renaissance manuscripts, Turkish and Persian miniature paintings, Japanese scrolls and woodblock prints, Chinese dragon robes and many other outstanding works of art. The Library's rich collection was drawn from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe by American mining magnate and collector Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. Chosing Ireland as his place of retirement, he bequeathed to the Irish nation his magnificent collection, which represents the richness of creative expression from the third millenium to the present day. SELLING POINTS: The Chester Beatty Library contains some of the finest treasures of the world's great cultures and religions. 150 colour illustrations