Press invitation: Newton's book presented to Uppsala University

In the 1960s Isaac Newton's Principia was stolen from the Uppsala University Library, Carolina Rediviva, and has been sold several times around the world since then. Following a donation to the friendship association American Friends of Uppsala University, it has now finally found its way back to Uppsala. The media are invited to participate when the book is officially returned on January 22.

The book, the first edition of Isaac Newton's Principia from 1687, belonged to Uppsala astronomy professor Per Elvius from 1698 and was kept at Carolina Rediviva up to the 1960s, when it disappeared from the library in a mysterious theft. Some years later it was sold at a European auction, which entailed that the University lost its right of ownership.

The book eventually wound up with a New Yorker, who chose to donate the book to the newly formed friendship association American Friends of Uppsala University. On January 22 the book will be officially returned to the University by the association's board during a ceremony with invited guests and speakers. The brief talks will deal with the global travels of the book, with Newton, and with the original owner at Uppsala University, Professor Elvius.

There will be opportunities for interviews and for photographing the book. Other books and letters by Newton from the library's collection will also be on display. Representatives from American Friends will be on hand as well.

Time and place: University Library, Carolina Rediviva, Book Hall, Thursday, January 22, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

For questions and registration, please contact press officer Anneli Waara, phone: +46 (0)18-471 1974; cell phone: +46 (0)70-425 07 18; anneli.waara@uadm.uu.se