Later generation typescript in a light brown folder measuring 301 x 241 mm and bearing the title ‘Wittgenstein’s Blue Book' and the number ‘3'. One flyleaf on which is written ‘Given to the library by G H von Wright, September 1992’ and 124 typescript sheets measuring 256 x 204 mm, with text on one side of the paper only.

Below descriptions of additional Blue Book items currently helt at Trinity Wren Library are added.

The Thouless copy of the Blue Book consists of a folder containing 141 pages, the majority of which are typed but some are cyclostyle copies. The brown outer folder measures 275 x 234 ff and bears the inscriptions ‘WITTGENSTEIN’ and ‘R H Thouless, 2 Leys Road, Cambridge’. Rust stains on front and back suggest that at one time bulldog clips were used to hold the volume together. Internally there are initially 4 typescript leaves measuring 263 x 201 typed on the recto only. The first has the inscription ‘R.H. Thouless, Leys Road, Cambridge’. 17 cyclostyled leaves measuring 266 x 202 mm follow. These are typed on the recto only and have deletions in thick black pen and annotations by Wittgenstein in indelible pencil, together with a few by Francis Skinner. Next come 120 leaves of typescript measuring 258 x 202 cm, typed on the recto only and annotated by Wittgenstein in black ink and pencil. There is no comprehensive foliation, but some of the individual weekly dictations are foliated. The language is English throughout. This volume was donated to Trinity College Library by David Thouless, son or Robert Thouless to whom Wittgenstein gave the volume.

This is a softback volume measuring 262 x 205 mm. The binding consists of thin light blue card. On the back cover is printed ‘Duplicated by Darkins & Arch, 59 Bridge Street, Cambridge. Phone 822’. Internally, there is one flysheet at the front only and 88 leaves measuring 261 x 204 mm. The text is in English and typed on the recto only. There are a few annotations in blue into which are not by Wittgenstein but possibly Rush Rhees. The volume is foliated in type ff. 9-96.

This is a softback volume measuring 262 x 205 mm. The binding consists of thin light blue card with ink stains on the front cover. Internally, there is one flyleaf at the front only and 34 leaves of typescript measuring 262 x 204 mm. The text is in English and typed on the recto only, foliated [blank], ff. 2-34. On the flyleaf is the annotation ‘G E Moore’, written in pencil in Moore’s own hand. There are further annotations in pencil throughout the text, some clearly in Moore’s hand, and one in blue ink on the inside back cover.

This consists of two volumes. Volume 1 has a softback binding of light blue card measuring 262 x 207. There is a hole cut in the centre of the front cover to reveal a label on the flysheet. Internally, there is 1 flysheet and 35 leaves measuring 262 x 207 mm. On the flysheet is a label reading ‘Mathematical Association. The Blue Book by L Wittgenstein. Typed copy given by R.L. Goodstein’. The text is in English and typed on the recto only, with a few pencil annotations. It is foliated ff. 1-34 in type. Volume 2 has a softback binding of light blue card measuring 261 x 208 mm. There is a label on the front cover reading ‘Mathematical Association. The Blue Book Vol II by L. Wittgenstein. Typed copy given by R L Goodstein’ and a small red label at the centre bottom reading ‘R.B. Darkins. Stationer & Relief Stamper, Bridge St, Cambridge.’ On the rear cover is printed ‘Duplicated by Darkins & Arch, 59 Bridge Street, Cambridge. Phone 822’ Internally, there is 1 flysheet at the front only and 90 leaves, foliated ff. 7-96 in type. The text is in English and typed on the recto only. On loan to Trinity College Library from The Mathematical Association.

Archival note

(2015–) Wittgenstein Source Bergen Nachlass Edition (WS-BNE). Edited by the Wittgenstein Archives at the University of Bergen under the direction of Alois Pichler. In: Wittgenstein Source, curated by Alois Pichler (2009–) and Joseph Wang-Kathrein (2020–). (N) Bergen: WAB.