{"title":"Manuscripts \u0026 Incunabula","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore our collection of rare manuscripts and incunabula, spanning centuries of handwritten texts and the earliest period of European printing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWhat are incunabula?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncunabula are books printed in Europe before 1501, during the earliest decades of printing with movable type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom illuminated manuscripts and handwritten devotional works to books printed before 1501, these remarkable survivals offer a glimpse into the development of the written and printed word.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach item is individually researched and catalogued, reflecting the craftsmanship, history, and cultural significance of these early works.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterested in works of early printing? Check out our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/collections\/bishops-great-tyndale-bibles\" title=\"Bishop, Great and Tyndale collection\"\u003eBishop, Great and Tyndale collection.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"1482-william-caxton-incunable-leaf-the-polycronicon-england-s-first-printer","title":"1482 William Caxton Incunable Leaf, The Polycronicon, England’s First Printer","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"318\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"318\" style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eRARE 1482 William Caxton Incunable Leaf – Polycronicon – England’s First Printer – Fine Press Binding\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"684\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"320\" data-end=\"334\"\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/span\u003e Original printed leaf (incunable), mounted in custom fine-press volume\u003cbr data-start=\"405\" data-end=\"408\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"420\"\u003ePrinter:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"462\"\u003eWilliam Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"465\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"474\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e c. 1482\u003cbr data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"485\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"495\"\u003ePlace:\u003c\/span\u003e Westminster, England\u003cbr data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"519\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"519\" data-end=\"528\"\u003eWork:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"543\"\u003ePolycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e (Universal History)\u003cbr data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"566\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"578\"\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e 20th-century fine press leaf book (Harold Hugo)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOffered here is an \u003cspan data-start=\"731\" data-end=\"809\"\u003eauthentic 15th-century printed leaf from a book produced by William Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e, England’s first printer. The leaf dates to approximately \u003cspan data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"876\"\u003e1482\u003c\/span\u003e and comes from Caxton’s English printing of \u003cem data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"939\"\u003eThe Polycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e, one of the most important historical works of the Middle Ages.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe original leaf is \u003cspan data-start=\"1026\" data-end=\"1063\"\u003eprofessionally mounted and housed\u003c\/span\u003e within a \u003cspan data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003ecustom 20th-century fine-press volume\u003c\/span\u003e, created to preserve, explain, and honour the significance of early English printing.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis is a genuine \u003cspan data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003eincunable\u003c\/span\u003e, not a facsimile or reproduction.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1300\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1315\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eTHE LEAF:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1657\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal Caxton-printed leaf on handmade laid paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1438\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1438\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eGothic blackletter type typical of Caxton’s Westminster press\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eVisible age toning, texture, and deckled edges consistent with 15th-century paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1525\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEarly hand rubrication - red initials\/marks\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1797\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe leaf is \u003cspan data-start=\"1671\" data-end=\"1702\"\u003esecurely mounted on a guard\u003c\/span\u003e and has \u003cspan data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003enot been trimmed or glued\u003c\/span\u003e, allowing margins and paper character to remain visible.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1831\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1807\" data-end=\"1831\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT WILLIAM CAXTON:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"2049\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003eWilliam Caxton\u003c\/span\u003e (c. 1422–1491) was the \u003cspan data-start=\"1898\" data-end=\"1957\"\u003efirst person to introduce the printing press to England\u003c\/span\u003e and is one of the most important figures in the history of English language and literature.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEstablished England’s first printing press at Westminster in the 1470s\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2128\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePrinted the first books in English\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2167\" data-end=\"2225\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHelped standardize English spelling and literary culture\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePrinted works by Chaucer, Malory, Gower, and major historical chronicles\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2502\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2322\"\u003eThe Polycronicon\u003c\/span\u003e was among Caxton’s most ambitious projects: a comprehensive world history translated into English, making historical knowledge accessible to a broader audience for the first time.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2504\" data-end=\"2661\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal Caxton books are now almost entirely held by major institutions. \u003cspan data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2661\"\u003eIndividual leaves are scarce, highly collectible, and historically significant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2698\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2698\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT THE MOUNTING BOOK:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe Caxton leaf is preserved in a \u003cspan data-start=\"2734\" data-end=\"2767\"\u003ecustom fine-press “leaf book”\u003c\/span\u003e, produced in the \u003cspan data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2805\"\u003emid-20th century\u003c\/span\u003e by or for \u003cspan data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2857\"\u003eHarold Hugo\u003c\/span\u003e, a noted American fine printer and book artist based in San Francisco.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"2951\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis volume includes:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3014\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2954\" data-end=\"3014\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eA fine-press printed title page describing the Caxton leaf\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3078\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3078\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eScholarly explanatory text on Caxton and the \u003cem data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3076\"\u003ePolycronicon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3097\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3097\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHandmade paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3098\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3138\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHand-set type with red and black ink\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3139\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3141\" data-end=\"3200\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eA restrained Arts \u0026amp; Crafts, style binding with cloth spine\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"307\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"307\" style=\"\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eABOUT DR. MONROE (COMMISSIONER OF THE VOLUME):\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"476\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe present volume was \u003cspan data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"370\"\u003ecommissioned in 1938 by Dr. Monroe\u003c\/span\u003e, a private collector and bibliophile with a scholarly interest in early printing and typographic history.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAt the time, it was common for learned collectors—particularly physicians, academics, and antiquarians—to commission \u003cspan data-start=\"595\" data-end=\"618\"\u003ecustom “leaf books”\u003c\/span\u003e in order to preserve and study original incunable leaves that survived from damaged or incomplete early printed books. Dr. Monroe’s commission reflects this tradition of serious bibliophilic stewardship rather than casual collecting.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"895\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eUnder his direction, the Caxton leaf was:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"944\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"944\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCarefully mounted on a guard (not pasted down)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"991\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"991\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eSurrounded by scholarly explanatory material\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eBound in a restrained fine-press format suitable for long-term preservation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe handwritten notes within the volume, as well as the printed contextual material, are consistent with \u003cspan data-start=\"1176\" data-end=\"1229\"\u003eearly-to-mid 20th century antiquarian scholarship\u003c\/span\u003e and indicate that Dr. Monroe intended this not merely as a display object, but as a \u003cspan data-start=\"1314\" data-end=\"1348\"\u003edocumented historical artefact\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1588\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\" style=\"\"\u003eThe date of \u003cspan data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1382\" style=\"\"\u003e1938\u003c\/span\u003e places the creation of this volume firmly within the golden age of American fine-press collecting, when early English printing, especially Caxton, was highly sought after by knowledgeable private collectors.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3202\" data-end=\"3257\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis type of presentation was intentionally created to:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3293\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3293\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProtect fragile medieval leaves\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProvide historical and bibliographic context\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCreate a dignified, collectible object\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eSuch bindings are \u003cspan data-start=\"3405\" data-end=\"3446\" style=\"\"\u003evalued by collectors and institutions\u003c\/span\u003e and are considered an appropriate and desirable way to preserve dispersed incunable leaves.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWeight - 575g\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHeight - 30cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWidth - 23.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3538\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThickness - 1.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52775237255507,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_520473fa-2408-4cc3-95a5-0d8ff0dc65fa.png?v=1768306264"},{"product_id":"manuscript-antiphonary-c-late-1600s-early-1700s","title":"Manuscript Antiphonary C. late 1600s\/ early 1700s","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"380\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"754\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOffered here is an \u003cspan data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"547\"\u003eauthentic handwritten antiphonary\u003c\/span\u003e, a liturgical choir manuscript containing \u003cspan data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"609\"\u003eGregorian chant\u003c\/span\u003e for the \u003cspan data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"635\"\u003eDivine Office\u003c\/span\u003e. This is a genuine working church book, written by hand on \u003cspan data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"708\"\u003erag paper\u003c\/span\u003e, dating to approximately \u003cspan data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"753\"\u003ecirca 1550–1650\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"1118\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe manuscript preserves chants for \u003cspan data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eAdvent, Lent, and major feasts\u003c\/span\u003e, including texts such as \u003cspan data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"911\"\u003eKyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei\u003c\/span\u003e, and sections for \u003cspan data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"957\"\u003eFeria (weekday offices)\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"972\"\u003eSequences\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan data-start=\"978\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003emajor liturgical celebrations\u003c\/span\u003e. Musical notation is in \u003cspan data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1074\"\u003esquare neumes on a four-line staff\u003c\/span\u003e, the classical notation of Gregorian chant.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThe volume is bound in an attractive \u003cspan data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003ehand-marbled paper binding\u003c\/span\u003e, likely added in the \u003cspan data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1225\"\u003e18th century\u003c\/span\u003e, reflecting continued use and preservation within an ecclesiastical setting.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eMusical \u0026amp; Physical Features\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHandwritten \u003cspan data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1377\"\u003eGregorian chant\u003c\/span\u003e in square notation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1444\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1444\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003eFour-line red staff\u003c\/span\u003e with black neumes\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1492\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1492\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eLatin text in a formal liturgical book hand\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1555\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1555\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eRed and black ink throughout (rubrics, initials, headings)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDecorated red initials\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWritten on \u003cspan data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003erag paper\u003c\/span\u003e (not parchment)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eLater \u003cspan data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003ehand-marbled paper binding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1687\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eOriginal manuscript, \u003cspan data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003enot a fragment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1760\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"2130\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1764\" data-end=\"1773\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e Late 16th to early 17th century (c. 1550–1650)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1850\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1850\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1838\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e Rag paper\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1853\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1853\" data-end=\"1866\"\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/span\u003e Latin\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003eNotation:\u003c\/span\u003e Square Gregorian notation\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1935\"\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e Later marbled paper (likely 18th century)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cp data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1979\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003e18 leaves in total\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2137\" data-end=\"2167\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHistory of Antiphonaries\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2509\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAn \u003cspan data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eantiphonary\u003c\/span\u003e is a liturgical book containing the sung texts (antiphons, responsories, hymns, and psalms) for the \u003cspan data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2305\"\u003eDivine Office\u003c\/span\u003e, the daily cycle of prayer observed in monasteries, cathedral chapters, and collegiate churches. Unlike Mass books, antiphonaries were used multiple times each day and were essential to communal worship.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2958\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eAlthough printing was well established by the 16th century, antiphonaries continued to be \u003cspan data-start=\"2601\" data-end=\"2619\"\u003ecopied by hand\u003c\/span\u003e well into the early modern period. Printed choir books were expensive, heavy, and not always locally available, and many religious communities preferred manuscript copies tailored to their specific liturgical customs. As a result, handwritten antiphonaries like this one represent the \u003cspan data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003efinal centuries of Europe’s manuscript tradition\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eManuscript Culture \u0026amp; Monastic Life\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3008\" data-end=\"3356\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThis manuscript reflects the enduring \u003cspan data-start=\"3046\" data-end=\"3096\"\u003emonastic and ecclesiastical manuscript culture\u003c\/span\u003e of early modern Europe. Such books were produced not as luxury objects, but as \u003cspan data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003efunctional tools for communal prayer\u003c\/span\u003e. They were typically placed on a lectern and read by multiple singers at once, which explains the clear, spacious layout and bold notation.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3747\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eIn monasteries and churches, manuscript production was a devotional act as much as a practical one. Scribes were often members of the religious community, trained to copy sacred texts with accuracy and reverence. These books were sung daily, repaired, rebound, and reused—making surviving examples especially meaningful witnesses to lived religious practice rather than ceremonial display.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3754\" data-end=\"3776\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: normal;\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eProvenance Notes\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"4038\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"3868\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3868\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003ePencil inscription inside suggests later cataloguing or ownership (likely 19th century)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3932\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3932\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eEvidence of rebinding indicates long-term institutional use\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWho this is ideal for:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4119\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4064\" data-end=\"4119\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eCollectors of \u003cspan data-start=\"4078\" data-end=\"4117\"\u003emedieval \u0026amp; early modern manuscripts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4120\" data-end=\"4180\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4180\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eScholars of \u003cspan data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4178\"\u003emusicology, chant, or liturgical history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4181\" data-end=\"4261\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4183\" data-end=\"4261\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eInstitutions or libraries seeking a \u003cspan data-start=\"4219\" data-end=\"4259\"\u003ecomplete, non-fragmentary manuscript\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4262\" data-end=\"4357\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4357\"\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDecorators or collectors looking for an \u003cspan data-start=\"4304\" data-end=\"4337\" style=\"\"\u003eauthentic historical artifact\u003c\/span\u003e, not a reproduction\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWeight - 130g\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eHeight - 28cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWidth - 20cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThickness - 0.5cm\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52775237845331,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_17129c74-b978-4458-9070-b9103a2efa43.jpg?v=1768306294"},{"product_id":"1620-czech-manuscript-prayer-book-book-of-hours-bohemia","title":"1620 Czech Manuscript Prayer Book\/Book of Hours, Bohemia","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDate: 1620\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace: Bohemia, probably western Bohemia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLanguage: Czech, with Latin liturgical terminology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of leaves: 254\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: Manuscript on paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBinding: Early vellum binding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoration: Red and blue initials and extensive rubrication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Christian devotion, liturgy, prayers and hymns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkable early 17th-century Czech manuscript prayer book, dated 1620 and written by hand in the Czech vernacular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe substantial manuscript contains 254 numbered pages of religious and liturgical texts, beautifully presented in black and red ink and decorated throughout with numerous large initials executed in red and blue. Rather than being a simple notebook of private prayers, the manuscript is carefully structured, with recurring headings identifying prayers, hymns and liturgical sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the terminology visible throughout are Píseň (song or hymn), Prosa (in a liturgical context, a sequence), Kyrie, Christe, Marian references including the Virgin Mary and Mother of God, and other material relating to the Christian liturgical cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript belongs broadly to the tradition of vernacular devotional books that developed from the medieval Book of Hours, although its precise classification remains worthy of further scholarly study. It may represent a specifically Bohemian form of prayer book or liturgical\/devotional collection rather than a conventional Latin Horae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Date: Bohemia in 1620\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date of the manuscript is particularly significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1620 was one of the defining years of Czech and Bohemian history. On 8 November, the Battle of White Mountain was fought outside Prague between the forces of the Bohemian Revolt and those of Emperor Ferdinand II and the Catholic League.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defeat of the Bohemian estates brought the revolt to an end and was followed by enormous religious and political change throughout the Kingdom of Bohemia, including the strengthening of Habsburg authority and an extensive programme of re-Catholicisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis manuscript therefore survives from the very year in which the religious landscape of Bohemia changed dramatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts precise confessional background has not yet been established and should not be assumed solely from its date or devotional contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDecoration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the manuscript are large ornamental initials executed in red and blue, accompanied by rubricated headings, flourishes and smaller coloured initials. The decoration is remarkably consistent throughout the volume and demonstrates that considerable care was taken in its production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContaining combination of decorative initials, rubrication and carefully organised text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in an early vellum binding with red-coloured page edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vellum has developed considerable surface wear, staining, creasing and losses through approximately four centuries of use. Early manuscript inscriptions are present on the binding, including the date 1620.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding is an important part of the history of the manuscript and has therefore been retained in its present state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial early 17th-century manuscript showing considerable evidence of age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vellum binding is heavily worn, stained and creased, with losses and deterioration particularly around the spine and extremities. The text block exhibits general toning, staining, handling marks and occasional wear consistent with its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally, however, the manuscript remains remarkably attractive. The black manuscript text remains generally strong and legible, while the red and blue decoration retains considerable colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho would have used this?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can take a guess at whom might have own or used this book in the past:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA priest\u003c\/strong\u003e: certainly possible, although the extensive use of vernacular Czech rather than Latin may suggest that it was not produced primarily as a conventional clerical service book.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAn educated layperson\u003c\/strong\u003e: perhaps a prosperous merchant, skilled craftsman, bailiff or other member of the educated urban middle classes. Such individuals could participate actively in religious confraternities and church life and had both the literacy and resources to own devotional manuscripts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA monk\/scribe\u003c\/strong\u003e: possible, although at present there is no clear evidence connecting the manuscript with a particular monastery or religious order. Again, its predominantly Czech text rather than Latin makes a conventional monastic service book less likely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA wealthy or educated woman\u003c\/strong\u003e: vernacular devotional books were particularly important to lay readers who did not possess the Latin education expected of the clergy and university-educated elite. Women were important owners and patrons of devotional manuscripts, making female ownership entirely plausible, although there is presently no evidence identifying the original owner as a woman.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA marriage gift or dowry possession\u003c\/strong\u003e: devotional books could be given at marriage or pass into a household as part of a woman's personal possessions. A carefully produced religious manuscript could therefore have had a familial or marital context. However, no inscription, heraldry or other provenance presently connects this manuscript with a marriage or dowry, so this remains speculative.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy This Manuscript?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced more than 400 years ago, this is an unusual survival of Czech religious manuscript culture from one of the most consequential years in Bohemian history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts vernacular Czech text, extensive rubrication, decorative red and blue initials, early vellum binding and 1620 date make it considerably more visually and historically interesting than a typical post-medieval devotional manuscript.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, this is not a later printed prayer book imitating an older tradition. Every page was individually written and decorated by hand, at a time when manuscript production was increasingly being displaced by the printing press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking and highly unusual early 17th-century Czech devotional manuscript, worthy of further scholarly investigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight - 546g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight - 20.7cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth - 16.2cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThickness - 3.6cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54926656766291,"sku":null,"price":12000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_8989.jpg?v=1789245853"},{"product_id":"early-19th-century-legal-manuscript-commonplace-book-sir-george-chetwynd-mp-amp-barrister-c-1800-1840","title":"Early 19th Century Legal Manuscript Commonplace Book, Sir George Chetwynd, MP \u0026 Barrister,  c.1820","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBibliographic Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: Untitled Legal and Parliamentary Commonplace Book\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Early 19th century, c.1800–1840\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor\/Compiler: Possibly Sir George Chetwynd, 2nd Baronet (1783–1850)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Armorial bookplate attributed to Sir George Chetwynd, 2nd Baronet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePages: Approximately 300 manuscript pages\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBinding: Black gilt-tooled leather with protective fore-edge flap and metal locking mechanism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extensive early nineteenth-century English legal manuscript, comprising approximately 300 handwritten pages in a consistent hand. The volume contains a carefully organised collection of judicial precedents, parliamentary proceedings, statutory references and legal commentary, together with contemporary printed newspaper extracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript covers numerous aspects of English law, including the independence and appointment of judges, the powers of justices of the peace, rules of evidence, registers, Poor Laws and constitutional matters. References include Lord Mansfield, the King's Bench and legislation dating back to at least 1777.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume appears to have been compiled as a private legal reference work, potentially by a practising barrister, magistrate or individual involved in parliamentary affairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance: Sir George Chetwynd, 2nd Baronet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the armorial bookplate attributed to Sir George Chetwynd, 2nd Baronet, a British barrister, politician and Member of Parliament for Stafford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChetwynd studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, and was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1813. He subsequently served in Parliament and inherited the family baronetcy in 1824.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manuscript's legal and constitutional subject matter closely corresponds with Chetwynd's professional background, raising the possibility that the volume was personally compiled or used by him. Although ownership is suggested by the bookplate, authorship has not been conclusively established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chetwynd family was an established English landed family with roots in medieval Shropshire and Staffordshire. Family histories traditionally trace its ancestry to the Norman period, although direct descent from an individual accompanying William the Conqueror remains unproven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional collector's bookplates are present, including one for Samuel Henry Hamer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLegal commonplace books were important working tools for barristers, magistrates and political figures throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They enabled their compilers to collect relevant legislation, judicial decisions and constitutional arguments for future consultation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly interesting for its substantial manuscript content, consistent handwriting, contemporary printed extracts and possible association with a practising barrister who also served in Parliament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike a printed legal treatise, the volume offers a personal record of the legal subjects and precedents considered important by its compiler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBinding and Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in decorative black leather with gilt borders and an elaborately gilt-tooled spine, lettered \"MSS G.C.\" The binding incorporates an unusual protective fore-edge flap and metal locking mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarbled endpapers are present, together with several historical bookplates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding exhibits age-related rubbing, scuffing and general wear, particularly to the extremities. The manuscript leaves show expected age toning and occasional marks. The handwritten text remains generally legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe functionality of the locking mechanism has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy This Manuscript?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusual and substantial surviving example of an early nineteenth-century English legal commonplace book, containing approximately 300 pages of original handwritten legal research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts particular appeal lies in the combination of extensive legal and parliamentary material, an attractive locking binding, and provenance associated with Sir George Chetwynd, a barrister and Member of Parliament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating historical manuscript for collectors of English legal history, parliamentary history, Georgian manuscripts and aristocratic provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight - 614g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight - 18cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth - 12cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThickness - 5.2cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55310228783443,"sku":null,"price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9583.jpg?v=1791650802"},{"product_id":"ethiopian-orthodox-illuminated-prayer-book-manuscript-c-18th-century","title":"Ethiopian Orthodox Illuminated Prayer Book Manuscript C. 18th Century","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopian Orthodox Prayer Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Circa 18th–19th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ge'ez (Classical Ethiopic)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReligion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christianity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Manuscript on parchment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrations:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Two full-page religious illustrations and an ornamental cross\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Wooden boards with exposed traditional Ethiopian-style sewing; rebound or resewn at a later date\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescription\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn attractive Ethiopian Orthodox devotional manuscript, handwritten in Ge'ez on parchment, provisionally dated to the 18th or 19th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript is written in the traditional Ethiopic script, with black lettering and red rubrication highlighting significant passages and liturgical elements. The text is accompanied by two colourful full-page religious illustrations and an ornamental cross, reflecting the distinctive artistic traditions of Ethiopian Christianity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first illustration depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, surrounded by angels. The second portrays a mounted warrior saint, probably Saint George, confronting a serpent-like creature. Both illustrations employ characteristic Ethiopian iconography, with expressive facial features, prominent halos, and vibrant red, yellow, blue, and black pigments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn additional decorated page features a cross surrounded by religious inscriptions and symbolic motifs, possibly associated with devotional or protective prayers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript's precise textual contents have not yet been established, although its illustrations and presentation suggest a collection of Ethiopian Orthodox prayers or devotional readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEthiopia possesses one of the world's oldest continuous Christian traditions, with Christianity becoming established in the Kingdom of Aksum during the fourth century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor centuries, Ethiopian monasteries and religious communities preserved Christian literature through the production of handwritten manuscripts, frequently using parchment prepared from animal skins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGe'ez, the classical liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, remained central to this tradition long after it ceased to be widely spoken.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEthiopian religious manuscripts are particularly celebrated for their distinctive illustrations, elaborate crosses, and traditional binding techniques. Their artistic conventions developed independently of many European traditions, creating a recognisable style of Christian manuscript illumination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBound between wooden boards with an exposed spine and four sewing stations, following traditional Ethiopian bookbinding techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript appears to have been rebound or resewn at an undetermined date, with greenish-yellow sewing thread securing the parchment gatherings directly to the wooden boards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe binding retains the characteristic appearance of Ethiopian manuscript construction, although its present form should not be assumed to be contemporary with the text.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe manuscript contains several later handwritten annotations in blue and purple ink, including Ge'ez inscriptions and decorative penwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA partially legible German-language library stamp, beginning \"Bibliothek Schö...\", appears on one of the preliminary leaves, suggesting previous European institutional or private ownership.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe precise identity of the library has not been established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antiquarian condition overall, with age-related wear consistent with a historical parchment manuscript.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe parchment exhibits toning, occasional staining, surface discolouration, and handling marks. Some leaves show minor edge wear and irregularities typical of handmade parchment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe religious illustrations retain their distinctive colours, with some rubbing and pigment wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLater annotations and ownership markings are present on the preliminary leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wooden boards exhibit surface wear and minor abrasions. The manuscript has been rebound or resewn at an undetermined date, with the exposed sewing remaining visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive example of Ethiopian Christian manuscript production, combining traditional Ge'ez calligraphy, colourful religious illustrations, and historic devotional imagery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight - 141g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight - 9.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth - 6.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThickness - 3cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55673465110867,"sku":null,"price":900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_9778.jpg?v=1793281021"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/collections\/manuscripts-incunabula.oembed","provider":"Momo Rare Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}