A lovely original leaf from a medieval manuscript pocket Bible, written in France (probably Paris) c. 1250. Presented in a leather bound leaf book with a six-page essay by Bruce Ferrini. Published in Akron, Ohio, 1994. Limited edition number 092 of 1000.
Leaf size: 178 x 118mm – 7 x 4 ½ 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 Thistle Bindery of Chicago, Il..
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 red and deep blue with elaborate red and blue penwork extending along the margins. 53 lines of text in double columns (11 lines per inch!).
France (probably Paris), circa 1250.
This leaf contains important and well-known text from the New Testament Book of Luke - Luke 19:18 - 21:22: “Et alter venit...” (And the second came saying: Lord thy pound hath gained five pounds...It is written: My house is the house of prayer. But you have made it a den of thieves…Render therefore to Caesar the things that re Caesar's: and to God the things that are God's...He saw a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. And he said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all...Many will come in my name, saying, I am he; and the time is at hand...Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake. But a hair of your head shall not perish. In your patience you shall possess your souls...).
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.
