MAGLIABECHI, ANTONIO. - Scholar and bibliophile, born in Firenze on 28 Oct. 1633, died there on 27 June 1714. Having devoted himself to learned studies, he was appointed librarian of the Palatina by Cosimo III, grand duke of Toscana: a post he held until his death, while always remaining a passionate collector of books and manuscripts.
He was admired by his contemporaries for his exceptional memory and prodigious learning, which he generously placed at the disposal of scholars throughout Europe, and satirized for the repulsive squalor of his appearance and the uncouthness of his character. He bequeathed his rich library to the “poor of Jesus Christ,” for whom it was destined to become the first nucleus of the future Biblioteca nazionale of Firenze. Reading and collecting books constituted the vocation of M., who left in writing only letters and catalogues.
