Two weeks ago, the Friends of Kentucky Libraries (FOKL) received a unique request via our website. CC, a passionate researcher, reached out with an intriguing inquiry:

“While researching the history of Carthusian Andalusian horses, I found a book titled ‘The History of Carthusian Horses’ by Juan Altamarino. My library in Irvington, New York cannot access it, but the librarian advised that your library has it or is selling it. Could you please advise if I may borrow it for research purposes?”

Upon further investigation, I discovered that the book was indeed available through the Friends of the Lexington KY Public Library’s Amazon storefront. You may already be aware they have a Book Cellar store and online storefront from our book sale notices!

The book in question is quite special. It’s a textbook originally sold in Spain, translated into English, and features stunning illustrations and passages by the Carthusian monks of Jerez de la Frontera. Equiworld Magazine describes it as “the most controversial and informative literary work on the Carthusian horse,” noting that the author received death threats due to its publication. Despite the controversy, the book’s facts are thoroughly verified, supported by an extensive bibliography and photostats of original documents.

I shared the message with Simon, the manager of the Book Cellar and a member of our Board of Directors. Simon quickly reached out to CC, providing details about the book and arranging to ship her a copy for her research. CC’s enthusiasm was palpable as she shared more about her interest in these horses. She wrote:

“Ever since my studies of the brilliant 17th-century Baroque artist, Diego Velazquez, I began learning about the exquisitely beautiful, deeply spiritual, and expressive Andalusian horses, prominently depicted in some of his masterpieces at the Prado Museum in Madrid. Velazquez grew up in Andalusia and loved these horses. His remarkable artistic talent led to commissions by the Royal Court of King Felipe IV and Queen Isabella to decorate their royal palace and country residences with his paintings, including these horses.”

“Given my interest in these horses, I delved deeper. These majestic horses, who have inspired legendary artists, poets, and royalty – including Shakespeare, Cervantes, and, of course, Velazquez – were genetically refined by the Carthusian Monks, an Order founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno of Cologne in the Chartreuse Mountains of France. Dedicated to a ‘consecrated solitude with balanced communal work, oriented towards God,’ the Carthusians at the ‘Jerez de La Frontera Monastery’ in the province of Cadiz and throughout Andalusia bred the purest strain of Andalusians, known as ‘Carthusian Andalusian’ horses, since the 15th century with reverence – which reveals the secret behind their alluring beauty, remarkable intelligence, graceful athleticism, calmness, and gentleness.”

CC, we cannot wait to see where your research leads you. The potential of the internet to connect friends across state lines and book lovers and researchers from around the world is truly inspiring. This small act of reaching out with hope could lead to something larger, whether it’s more people reading this historical book or perhaps even the resurgence of this amazing breed. Although the book was published in 2006, we have a long way to go, but I have no doubt that CC’s research will make a significant impact.
– Eunice Murphy

Join the Friends of Kentucky Libraries

We are:

• A network of library supporters from across the state sharing ideas and news
• A source of assistance for creating or revitalizing your local Friends of the Library Chapter
• A unified voice to advocate for your library and all Kentucky Libraries

By joining or donating to the Friends of Kentucky Libraries, you can help us continue our mission to support and celebrate our libraries. Your involvement makes a difference in ensuring that our libraries remain vibrant and accessible to all.