Life of Saint Adelelmus of Burgos Facsimile Edition

The life of a remarkable Saint

Adelelmus was born in France and, in his early years, embraced the military career. This first inclination changed after a pilgrimage in Rome, during which he came in contact with Sr Robert de Turlande, abbot of the monastery of Chaise Dieu, who inspired him to become a monk. His reputation led Constance of Burgundy, wife of Alfonso VI of Castile, to call him to Burgos, where he rimained till his last day.

Adelelmus' life was written soon after his death by a French monk named Rodulph, who travelled to Burgos with the sole purpose of writing the Saint biography. This volume gives a detail account of the life of Saint Adelelmus, siding it with all the chants that celebrate this Saint. 

A very special book

The book is composed of two parts: the first one is the remnant of a 14th century breviary, written in German and according to the Roman rite; it contains also the life and miracles of the Saint and musical notation in Aquitanian, written on a single reference line, while the chants that can be noted are a later addition. This section contains, also, the first known use of the Spanish version of the eucharistic anthem "Pange Lingua".

The second part includes the chants and liturgy used to celebrate the mass and office of Saint Adelelmus, and is completed with matins and laudes. It can be traced to the 16th century and is written in a gothic script, just like the first part, but this one has suffered no losses, unlike the previous one. 

Binding description

The binding is made of parchment and has an almost heart-shaped label on the cover in which is written: "Vita preclara virtutes perillustres miracula et mors preciossa sanctissimi patris nostri adelelmi"