What did Bernese men and women read in the 17th century? Thanks to the preserved Geltstagsrödel (auction inventories), it is possible to reconstruct the libraries of 63 households from the period between 1657 and 1699. The book collections often consist of only a few, sometimes dozens, and occasionally a few hundred titles.

Like the earlier study on the private libraries of city Bern in the 18th century – Des Burgers Buch (2012) – this study also provides insight into the intellectual horizons of people from various social strata. It aims to contribute to the history of cultural life in a Reformed city within the old Confederation.