Printed Book of Hours

[Book of Hours. Use of Rome].
Printed on vellum.
Paris: Philippe Pigouchet for Simon Vostre, 22 August 1498. (Prothro B-108)

Books of Hours, which consisted of diverse prayers, psalms, and biblical selections, provided Christian lay persons of the Middle Ages with a highly popular source of daily reading for private devotion. Whereas most manuscript Books of Hours were illuminated with colorful miniatures, printed editions such as this one were embellished with metalcut illustrations and decorative borders. The opening displayed here shows the Nativity of Christ and the Adoration of the Magi. The texts below include the opening lines of Psalms 70 and 123.

B-108BookofHours_1000.jpg
Medieval and Renaissance Bibles
Printed Book of Hours