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Alumnus delivers antique Quran for incoming Congressman

By David Gonnerman '90
January 4, 2007

Mark Dimunation '74 is getting recognition as the Library of Congress rare books curator who is delivering Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Quran for the swearing in ceremony of Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim legislator in Congress. The book was acquired in 1815 as part of a 6,400-volume collection that Jefferson sold for $24,000, to replace the congressional library that had been burned by British troops during the War of 1812. "It was a real bargain," says Dimunation.

In addition to the St. Paul Pioneer Press story below, you can listen to Dimunation's interview on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and read more at Minnesota Public Radio.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.