California Days

Incipiunt Hore Sancte Marie ~ 14th 15th Century ~ 83 leaves Hoare or Books of Hours were noted for their vivid colours and sparkle of gold leaf on parchment leaves. This devotional, a fine example of decorative arts of the late middle ages, has both elaborate gilded initials and charmingly naïve flower border surrounding the principal pages. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_hours Under protective glass -- no Flash allowed.

The Gutenberg Bible stands as a transformational landmark in the history of Western Civilization. The Bible leaf on display was once owned by the noted book collector Countess Estelle Dohany of Los Angles. A protective leather covering carries her elegant gold-stamped bookplate. Countess Doheny obtained this leaf from a Bible broken up by the bookseller Gabriel Wells. It was donated to the State Library in 2010

“I will assume the undertaking” she said, “for my own crown of Castile and I am ready to pawn my jewels to defray the expenses of it if the funds in the treasury shall be found inadequate”

HBM Ye all and have a great week