Darwin’s notebooks have been returned

‘Stolen’ Charles Darwin notebooks returned to Cambridge University Library after going missing more than 20 years ago

Photo: www.thetimes.co.uk

Two ‘stolen’ Charles Darwin manuscripts have been anonymously returned to a university library.
The leather-bound notebooks, which were wrapped together in clingfilm, were left in a pink gift bag on the floor at Cambridge University Library, with a typed note wishing the librarian a ‘happy Easter’.
They were first found to be missing from the library in 2001 after a routine check discovered that the small blue box containing the scientist’s work had not been returned to its proper place. Staff initially believed the books had been classified incorrectly and extensive searches of the building, which is home to around 10 million books, maps, manuscripts and other items, were carried out. It was not until October 2020 that they were reported as stolen to Cambridgeshire Police and the force alerted Interpol.
Almost 18 months later, the books — one of which contains Darwin’s famous 1837 Tree of Life sketch — have been returned in good condition and with no obvious signs of damage.
Dr. Jessica Gardner, who became director of library services in 2017, described her joy at their return, “My sense of relief at the notebooks' safe return is profound and almost impossible to adequately express. I, along with so many others, all across the world, was heartbroken to learn of their loss and my joy at their return is immense.”

Based on the materials of www.news.sky.com