Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection

Collection — Box: Communal Collections 55

Identifier: MSP 136

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection (30 B.C.E. – 18^th Century; 0.5 cubic feet) contains leaves from Breviaries, Books of Hours, Antiphonaries, Bibles, an Anthology of Persian Poetry, Byzantine Music Notation, and a papyrus fragment. Most of the leaves are vellum; however, a few of the leaves are paper. The collection demonstrates a variety of medieval texts, languages, inks, and artistic styles. This particular collection is an excellent teaching tool for many classes in the humanities.

Dates

30 B.C.E. - 18th Century

Language of Materials

Collection leaves are primarily in Latin. Ancient Egyptian (Hieratic script), Persian, and Ancient Greek are also present.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical or Historical Information

Ancient and medieval manuscript leaves were typically once part of a larger text. The leaves in this collection come from a variety of regions, languages, and time periods.

Extent

0.50 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

Abstract

The Ancient and Medieval Manuscript Leaves collection contains leaves from Breviaries, Books of Hours, Antiphonaries, Bibles, an Anthology of Persian Poetry, Byzantine Music Notation, and a papyrus fragment. The collection demonstrates a variety of medieval texts and artistic styles. This particular collection is an excellent teaching tool for many classes in the humanities.

Acquisition Information

It is very possible Eleanore Cammack ordered these manuscript leaves from Dawson’s Book Shop. Cammack served as a librarian in the Purdue Libraries. She was originally hired as an order assistant in 1929. By 1955, she had become the head of the library's Order Department with a rank of assistant professor. Therefore, it would make sense for Cammack to have purchased these manuscripts during her time as the head of the Order Department in the Purdue Libraries.

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of materials are available for research use. See our digital collections database e-Archives: Medieval Manuscripts

Related Materials

MSP 164, Medieval Manuscript codices collection, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 137, Rare Book Leaves collection, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.