The medieval monastery of Herrenalber, in the south part of Germany, near the city of Ulm, had a remarkable scriptorium.
This book was realized there, in 1484 and was the result of the work of Johannes Zurn of Nyposheim, singer of the monastery, according to what is written by the very same author in the book’s colophon.
This manuscript is a masterpiece of German Gothic with its typical dark coloration and it's written in Center-European Gothic lettering.
It is a very interesting piece, first because in these years printed books were very common.
Thus, the existence of a handmade manuscript witness the strong will to keep the traditions alive, and the desire to create an opera that differentiate itself for its beauty and realization.
In this era handmade books were considered superior than those printed; Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, exquisite bibliophile, refused to have printed books as part of his Library.
We have 1 facsimile edition of the manuscript "The Cistercian Devotional Book": Devocionario Cisterciense de Herrenalb facsimile edition, published by Millennium Liber, 2017
Request Info / Price