The works of Karl Popper and his library

The works found in this section of the Karl Popper Archives are included in the local online catalogue of the Klagenfurt University Library. Special features of particular editions such as dedications, hand-written notes or supplements are noted in the comments for the relevant catalogue entry.

The 650-volume collection comprises the different publications, editions and translations of the works of Karl Popper, including the master copies labelled ‘MC’ by the philosopher himself. Some of the individual volumes include detailed hand-written entries by Popper and/or typewritten addenda that have been pasted in. The annotations include corrections, improvements and addenda, opinions on critical comments made by other authors; some publications contain preparatory notes for the next edition. All of these notes document the typical working method pursued by Popper, and provide an insight into how he constantly built upon his fundamental ideas as part of a never-ending thought process.

Popper’s broad spectrum of interests and the international renown of his works is evident from the List of Publications that was most recently curated by Ms Melitta Mew, as well as from the Karl R. Popper bibliography by Manfred Lube (bibliography), which also lists secondary literature.

Correspondence, commentaries, notes and other materials found loose in books, periodicals or special prints are kept separately from the books as a collection of supplements. These supplementary materials are also listed in the online catalogue.