Early Modern Liturgical Plainchant

A circa 15th century Catholic liturgical manuscript, this volume is the largest book written on parchment in the Smithsonian Libraries. Created for the use of choirs to read from a distance, its scale is not surprising. It contains Gregorian plainchant and Latin text accompanied by beautiful red and blue illumination and decorated initials. The binding is original full leather adorned with brass “furniture” which also protects the book as it rubs against the shelves when taken off and placed back.