| Title | 1. The Young Hartlib |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Charles Webster (author) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0486.01 |
| Landing page | https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0486/chapters/10.11647/obp.0486.01 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Charles Webster |
| Publisher | Open Book Publishers |
| Published on | 2025-11-07 |
| Long abstract | This introductory chapter explores Samuel Hartlib’s background and early life, covering the period from 1600 until 1628. His birthplace was the trading port of Elbing (Elbląg) near Danzig, where his German father was a prosperous merchant. His mother was from a prominent English trading family. His main education was conducted in Silesia, where he benefitted from a cosmopolitan and diverse culture. Perhaps on account of the sharp downturn in the fortunes of Elbing, between about 1621 and 1626 he became a private student in Cambridge, where he formed many lasting friendships, and a developed a leaning towards Puritanism. His final brief stay in Elbing between 1626 and 1628 was important for two reasons. First, he became a central figure in the Antilian utopian community, in which he established further long-lasting associations. Secondly, Elbing was the site of the start of his friendship with the famous irenicist John Dury. |
| Page range | pp. 10–27 |
| Print length | 18 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
Charles Webster studied at University College London, where he took a degree in Botany and Microbiology. From 1959 to 1965 he was a science teacher at the City Grammar School, Leopold Street, Sheffield. Simultaneously he began private historical studies. His first historical paper was published in the journal Nature in 1962. He obtained an M.Sc. and D.Sc. at London University. After a short spell in the Philosophy Department at Leeds University, in 1968 he became a research fellow at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. In 1972, he was made a University Reader, also attached to Corpus. He remained in this post until 1988, when he became a Senior Research Fellow of All Souls College, a post which he retained until his retirement. Currently he is an Emeritus Fellow at both Corpus and All Souls. In connection with his early work, especially 'The Great Instauration', in 1980 he was elected an FBA.