Though Nyugat was actually founded in 1908, the library chose to launch an online exhibition of its contents and its contributors on the birthday of Mihály Babits, Nyugat's former editor-in-chief. In addition to scans of the original yellowed pages of Nyugat, which was published for 34 years, the online exhibition features artifacts that tell something about its contributors. Among them are Endre Ady's train pass, complete with photo, and many hand-written manuscripts.
Visit the virtual exhibition at http://epa.oszk.hu/00000/00022/nyugat.htm
Csilla E. Csorba, the director of Budapest's Petőfi Literature Museum, promises a grand exhibition for the hundredth anniversary of Nyugat.
OSZK also recently launched another web site, outlining its own history, on the occasion of its 105th anniversary. The page describes the circumstances of its founding and shows the writings and poetry of Ferenc Széchényi, after whom the library was named. But the highlights of the site are scans of objects from the library's collection, including a copy of the National Song signed by Sándor Petőfi and a hand-written manuscript of the Hungarian National Anthem.
Hungary's national library was founded on November 26, 1802, when Emperor Franz Josef signed its deed of establishment, submitted by Ferenc Széchényi, who donated his library, as well as his collection of art and coins to the Hungarian people.
Source: Múlt-kor / Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
