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The Lit & Phil

@litandphil

Newcastle's independent library, the Lit & Phil, is home to more than 200,000 books and music items, and has a rolling programme of events and activities. www.litandphil.org.uk

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10.02.2025
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Latest posts by The Lit & Phil @litandphil

Home - The Lit & Phil

The front page of our website has links to the files for the
Library Assistant Job Description & the Application Form!

www.litandphil.org.uk

05.03.2026 16:45 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A photograph of a corner bookshelf of the Lit & Phil library, chock full of history books!

A photograph of a corner bookshelf of the Lit & Phil library, chock full of history books!

We are recruiting!

We are seeking a part-time library assistant, working 12 hrs per week

The closing date for applications is Monday 23 March
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 31 March

Contact the library on 0191 232 0192 or library@litandphil.org.uk for more information and an application form

05.03.2026 14:23 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
A colour photograph of a stairlift at the bottom of a flight of stairs, ready for use.

A colour photograph of a stairlift at the bottom of a flight of stairs, ready for use.

We are delighted to announce that our brand new stairlift is now installed and ready to use!

05.03.2026 11:12 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A scan of a small section of an old map of Lower Egypt.

A scan of a small section of an old map of Lower Egypt.

An uncoloured illustration of a view of Belbeis.  The town is seen in the distance in an arid landscape with encampments outside the walls with a few palm trees.

Of Belbeis the author says:
β€œBelbeis is a tolerably large town and has several mosques. The Nile supplies it with water in great abundance by a canal at the time of its increase; this supply maintains the vegetation of a considerable number of palm and other trees. There are also good melons and water melons but no pulse. This town, with its territory, is governed by a Kiaschef or officer of the Pacha of Cairo.”

An uncoloured illustration of a view of Belbeis. The town is seen in the distance in an arid landscape with encampments outside the walls with a few palm trees. Of Belbeis the author says: β€œBelbeis is a tolerably large town and has several mosques. The Nile supplies it with water in great abundance by a canal at the time of its increase; this supply maintains the vegetation of a considerable number of palm and other trees. There are also good melons and water melons but no pulse. This town, with its territory, is governed by a Kiaschef or officer of the Pacha of Cairo.”

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No.63 Egypt

From Volume II of "Travels of Ali Bey in Morocco, Tripoli, Cyprus, Egypt, Arabia, Syria and Turkey between the years 1803 and 1806" 1st English edition, 1816.

#oldbooks #libraries

23.02.2026 16:49 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Book cover of We Have Come To Be Destroyed: Growing Up In Cold War Britain showing a group of children against an eerie blue-green backdrop.

Book cover of We Have Come To Be Destroyed: Growing Up In Cold War Britain showing a group of children against an eerie blue-green backdrop.

Delighted to be speaking about my forthcoming book We Have Come To Be Destroyed: Growing Up In Cold War Britain at the fantastic @litandphil.bsky.social on 30 April! Do come along if you're Newcastle/NE based - admission free www.litandphil.org.uk/event/we-hav...

13.02.2026 14:32 πŸ‘ 19 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1
A scan of a coloured print illustration of a Coprosma Cuncata(?) plant showing the stages and structure of fruit and seed development.

A scan of a coloured print illustration of a Coprosma Cuncata(?) plant showing the stages and structure of fruit and seed development.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No. 121 ANTARCTIC FLORA

From β€˜The botany of the Antarctic voyage of H.M. discovery ships Erebus and Terror in the years 1839-1843[...]' by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911)

#oldbooks #libraries #illustration

09.02.2026 15:47 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
The Lit & Phil Bi-Centennial Logo, it says 'The Lit & Phil 200, at home since 1825'

The Lit & Phil Bi-Centennial Logo, it says 'The Lit & Phil 200, at home since 1825'

Replacement Stair Lift News!

A new stair lift will be installed on Monday 16th February. There may be some disruption and noise on the day, for which we apologise in advance.

Members and visitors may be asked to use an alternative staircase for a short period.

09.02.2026 15:11 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A stark book cover in black, white and orange for MAN AGAINST MICROBE showing 3 artillery pieces firing, as though at falling microscope slides showing the outline of microbes.

A stark book cover in black, white and orange for MAN AGAINST MICROBE showing 3 artillery pieces firing, as though at falling microscope slides showing the outline of microbes.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No. 325 "Man Against Microbe" by Bigger, Joseph W.

Imprint: London; The Book Club, 1941.

#books #bookcovers #libraries

27.01.2026 15:02 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A photo of a small statue of Joseph Swan with a jolly little knitted santa claus in his lap.

A photo of a small statue of Joseph Swan with a jolly little knitted santa claus in his lap.

Early Closure

Due to the annual members’ gathering on Thursday 18th December, the library will close at 6pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

15.12.2025 15:45 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A photograph of our new Christmas card for 2025, featuring an old woodcut illustration of a Reindeer with the addition of a shiny red nose.

A photograph of our new Christmas card for 2025, featuring an old woodcut illustration of a Reindeer with the addition of a shiny red nose.

Our new Christmas cards are back in stock!

Please enjoy β€˜The Rein-Deer’ by Thomas Bewick with a festive twist.

6 cards for Β£8

www.litandphil.org.uk/shop/christm...

13.11.2025 11:03 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Wits in Felixstowe
Wits in Felixstowe YouTube video by Nunkie Films

All three Nunkie/ThomThomFilms documentaries are now viewable for free on YouTube:
Wits in Felixstowe youtu.be/iYq-MS1790Y
Dim Presences youtu.be/Ne2kYzwvHOI
The Shrew Ash youtu.be/-T4qTLeaaxg

You can subscribe to the Nunkie Youtube channel and let us know what you think...

19.08.2025 08:28 πŸ‘ 8 πŸ” 7 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 3
Post image

This postcard I wrote to a young reader, Sasha Stephenson, was returned to me, as she no longer lives at the address she gave me. Please help me to get it to her if you can!

03.11.2025 15:28 πŸ‘ 98 πŸ” 68 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 2
Preview
NU Ideas | Season 4 Talk 1 | Growing a house & Specialisation is for insects - The Lit & Phil Monday 3rd November 2025 | 6pm NU Ideas | Season […]

Tickets are still available for tonight's NU Ideas Talk: "Growing a House" & "Specialisation is for Insects"!

www.litandphil.org.uk/event/nu-ide...

A LIVE Event at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Tickets are FREE for Monday 3rd November | 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

03.11.2025 13:46 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Brand new book design for @amstirling.bsky.social’s collection of stories launching at Newcastle’s @litandphil.bsky.social on Wednesday 8 October.

Thirteen’s cover design is loosely based on Charles Demuth’s 1928 painting, I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold.

#bookdesign #graphicdesign #freelance

01.10.2025 12:56 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A scan of the black and white illustration of 'THE NEVER-NEVER LAND', showing Peter Pan playing his pipes surrounded by wild beasts, with the pirate crew marching and singing in the background along the coast to their ship.

A scan of the black and white illustration of 'THE NEVER-NEVER LAND', showing Peter Pan playing his pipes surrounded by wild beasts, with the pirate crew marching and singing in the background along the coast to their ship.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No.29 "Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up"

J.M. Barrie First edition 1911. Illustrated by F.D. Bedford

19.09.2025 15:46 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

Don't miss
@jakecampbell88.bsky.social on a mini book tour in the North-East this autumn, with events at Durham Book Festival,
@crossingthetees.bsky.social, Blyth Celebrates and #Newcastle @litandphil.bsky.social.

19.09.2025 09:31 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A scan of an uncoloured print showing a sea otter at rest on the Canadian coast.

A scan of an uncoloured print showing a sea otter at rest on the Canadian coast.

The title page of the multi volume set: "Reizen Rondom de Waereld: James Cook, Vertaald Door J.D. Pasteur Met Kaarten en Plaaten Elfde Deel." Depicting two cherubs uncovering the Earth.

The title page of the multi volume set: "Reizen Rondom de Waereld: James Cook, Vertaald Door J.D. Pasteur Met Kaarten en Plaaten Elfde Deel." Depicting two cherubs uncovering the Earth.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No. 47 "Cook – title page and Zee-Otter"

Images from 'Reizen Rondom de Waereld: James Cook’s Voyages', published in Dutch in 13 vols. between 1795-1803.

#books #libraries #illustration

11.09.2025 14:46 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The Wylam Song Cycle : A Railway200 Celebration | Concert - The Lit & Phil Friday 26th September | 1pm The Wylam Song Cycle : […]

Tickets are LIVE for "The Wylam Song Cycle : A Railway200 Celebration"

www.litandphil.org.uk/event/the-wy...

A LIVE concert at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Tickets are Β£10 or Β£8 for concessions, for 1pm on Friday 26th September

#concert #live #music

01.09.2025 11:13 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A colour plate depicting the lifecycle of the Lobster Moth.  It is shown as an egg, a caterpillar on a leaf, a cocoon and an adult moth.

A colour plate depicting the lifecycle of the Lobster Moth. It is shown as an egg, a caterpillar on a leaf, a cocoon and an adult moth.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems.

No.71 'The Lobster Moth'

From Edward Donovan’s β€˜Natural History of British Insects’ Volume V, published in (1796)

#antique #books #illustration #libraries

30.08.2025 11:54 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A scanned, uncoloured etching of the Scotswood Bridge surrounded by a bucolic rural idyll.

A scanned, uncoloured etching of the Scotswood Bridge surrounded by a bucolic rural idyll.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems.

No.66 "Scotswood Bridge over the Tyne"

From β€˜Westmorland, Cumberland, Durham and Northumberland, Illustrated from original drawings by Thomas Allom, & c.' (1833)

#old #books #illustration

29.08.2025 13:31 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Post image

Another excellent visit to the @litandphil.bsky.social Took a while but got another 5 books for my #readtheworld challenge

28.08.2025 12:28 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Thursday 30th October | 6pm. Free Lecture in association with Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling. Department of Geography and Environment, Northumbria University. Sustainable Polar Science For A Changing Climate, with Professor Andrew Shepherd and Dr Sammie Buzzard. At the Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE.

Thursday 30th October | 6pm. Free Lecture in association with Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling. Department of Geography and Environment, Northumbria University. Sustainable Polar Science For A Changing Climate, with Professor Andrew Shepherd and Dr Sammie Buzzard. At the Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE.

πŸ—“οΈSave the date: Thursday 30th October | 6pm

Join us at the @litandphil.bsky.social for...

🐧'Sustainable Polar Science for a Changing Climate' a free lecture with @andyshepherd.bsky.social and @treacherousbuzz.bsky.social.

www.litandphil.org.uk/event/sustai...

22.08.2025 08:46 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 3 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
War Horse: Service animals in the military | Talk - The Lit & Phil Monday 1st September 6pmΒ  In association with Newcastle Theatre Royal […]

Tickets are LIVE for the talk: "War Horse: Service Animals in the Military"

www.litandphil.org.uk/event/war-ho...

A LIVE Event at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Tickets are FREE for Monday 1st September | 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

21.08.2025 16:54 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A zoomed in shot of the Phoenix plate with, annotated by hand, the comment 'A Phoenix as vulgarly painted'

A zoomed in shot of the Phoenix plate with, annotated by hand, the comment 'A Phoenix as vulgarly painted'

'A Phoenix as vulgarly painted' Well, everyone's a critic!

21.08.2025 15:29 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Gerald Dickens presents | Sikes and Nancy & The Tale of Captain Murderer - The Lit & Phil Thursday 4th September | 6pm Gerald Dickens presents…. Sikes and […]

Tickets are LIVE for "Gerald Dickens presents: Sikes and Nancy & The Tale of Captain Murderer"

www.litandphil.org.uk/event/gerald...

A LIVE Event Β£15 / Β£12 (concessions) at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne

Thursday 4th September | 6:00pm to 8:00pm

19.08.2025 18:36 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Mrs Affleck's Affliction
Mrs Affleck's Affliction YouTube video by The Lit & Phil

Spend a short while in the company of Mrs Affleck, the woman who worked as a cleaner for the Lit & Phil for over 20 years.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aVD...

Brought to life in a monologue by Anita Holbrow, portrayed by Jacqueline Phillips, with soundscape by Kit Haigh. Directed by Cinzia Hardy.

18.08.2025 14:14 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
'Fable of the Elephant and the Bookseller' An illustration of a man in an 18th century bookshop implores an elephant to share his wisdom.  The elephant declines.

'Fable of the Elephant and the Bookseller' An illustration of a man in an 18th century bookshop implores an elephant to share his wisdom. The elephant declines.

'Fable of the Court of Death' An illustration of a macabre court with Death sat on his throne with skeletal guards.

'Fable of the Court of Death' An illustration of a macabre court with Death sat on his throne with skeletal guards.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems.

No.150 "Fables" by Gay, John, 1685-1732.

Imprint: London: Printed for John Stockdale, 1793.

#books #fables #libraries #legends #illustration

15.08.2025 09:49 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
A detailed and animated woodcut by Blasius Weffring, showing equipment and procedures explained in the text for mining.

A detailed and animated woodcut by Blasius Weffring, showing equipment and procedures explained in the text for mining.

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems.

No.77 'De Re Metallica Libri XII' by Georgius Agricola. (Basel, 1621)

#mining #metallurgy #oldbooks #libraries

14.08.2025 15:30 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A promotional image for ClassicsFest at the Lit & Phil Society, Newcastle.  Prof. Arlene Holmes-Henderson and Prof. Vittorio Bufacchi sitting by a 'WHY CICERO MATTERS' banner on a stage in the centre of the Main Library.

Photo Credit: Sound Ideas Media

A promotional image for ClassicsFest at the Lit & Phil Society, Newcastle. Prof. Arlene Holmes-Henderson and Prof. Vittorio Bufacchi sitting by a 'WHY CICERO MATTERS' banner on a stage in the centre of the Main Library. Photo Credit: Sound Ideas Media

Two ladies dressed as barristers listen to evidence in front of a wall covered in old photographs in the Common Room, Newcastle.  From the Corruption in the Spotlight event.

Photo Credit: Sound Ideas Media

Two ladies dressed as barristers listen to evidence in front of a wall covered in old photographs in the Common Room, Newcastle. From the Corruption in the Spotlight event. Photo Credit: Sound Ideas Media

ClassicsFest lives on!

In case you missed our opening event, 'Why Cicero Matters', you can now watch it on our YouTube channel, as well as the fantastic Corruption in the Spotlight: Cicero versus Verres (in two parts)!

Watch here πŸ‘‡

www.youtube.com/channel/UCBi...

#classics #cicero #newcastle

14.08.2025 09:43 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A scan of a coloured print showing the Gemini constellation beautifully illustrated with the text: 'Published February 1.1822 by G& W.B.Whittaker T. Cadell & N. Hailes, London

A scan of a coloured print showing the Gemini constellation beautifully illustrated with the text: 'Published February 1.1822 by G& W.B.Whittaker T. Cadell & N. Hailes, London

The Lit & Phil’s collection of books is full of surprises, oddities and gems

No.18 'Gemini' for 'Global sleep under the stars night'

From 'A Celestial Atlas: comprising a systematic display of the heavens in a series of thirty maps : illus. by scientific description' by Alexander Jamieson. 1822

08.08.2025 09:51 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0