A lovely original leaf from a medieval manuscript pocket Bible, written in Paris c. 1240-50. Presented in a leather bound leaf book with a six-page essay by Bruce Ferrini. Limited edition number 031 of 1000; Published in Akron, Ohio, 1994. Leaf size: 185 x 127mm – 7 ¼ x 5 inches – Book size: 230x158mm – 9 x 6.25 inches.
An attractive and historical medieval Bible leaf in nice condition, handsomely presented. The binding was custom made in full stamped leather in medieval style by Pat Bruno, Bookbinder of Sacramento CA.
This leaf is written in Latin gothic micro-minuscule script in brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubricated chapter numbers in red and blue. Two multi-line illuminated initials in deep blue or red with elaborate red and blue penwork extending along the margin. 50 lines of text in double columns (10 lines per inch!).
France (Paris), circa 1240-50.
Line one begins part of Jeremiah 32:29 – 34:22: “eam igni, et commburent eam…” (Set it on fire, and burn it, with the houses upon whose roofs they offered sacrifice to Baal…Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel…I will gather them together out of all the lands to which I haave cast them out in my anger, and in my wrath, and in my great indigation: and I will bring them again into this place, and will cause them to dwell securely. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God…And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, and will not cease to do them good: and I will give my fear in their heart, that they may not revolt from me. And I will rejoice over them…for I will bring back their captivity, saith the Lord…Behold I will close theoir wounds and give them health, and I will cure them: and I will reveal to them the prayer of peace and truth. And I will bring back the captivity of Juda, and the captivity of Jerusalem: and I will build them as from the beginning…Give ye glory to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his mercy endureth forever: and of them that shall bring their vows into the house of the Lord: for I will bring back the captivity of the land as at the first, saith the Lord…). .
This leaf, from a “portable” Bible during the period of the Crusades, would have been used in the abstract study of theology or the preaching of the Gospel around the medieval countryside.
