Перевод текста! заранее ! the libraries of london 1. if the number and variety of its important reference libraries and specialized book collections are anything to go by, london must be one of the most literary-minded cities in the world. it would be hard to think of a subject which has not got a library devoted especially to it, and no other city is so well provided with public lending libra¬ries. 2. the origin of the capitular library of st. paul's cathedral dates back to the seventh century, but ail its books, with the exception of some incunabula (books printed before 1500) and six manuscripts, were destroyed in the great fire of london in 1666. the archives, however, were preserved. the library was refounded after the fire and the collection was built up again by gift and purchase during the 17th and 18th centuries. 3. the biggest london library is that of, the british museum. this is, in effect, the national reference library and one of the five libraries in the british isles entitled to a copy of every book and periodical published in the country. 4. in 1841 the london library in st.james square was founded—a library of about 600, 000 volumes, mainly devoted to the humanities and fine arts. 5.people of a scientific turn of mind will find their book-utopia in the library of the science museum, while on the opposite side of exhibition road the victoria and albert museum can claim the largest art library in the world. here also is the collection of books and original dickens manuscripts and letters.