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Gwynn, John (editor)
Liber Ardmachanus: The Book of Armagh.
Publisher: Royal Irish Academy, Dublin;
Date of Publication: 1913
Stock Code: 11881
LIMITED EDITION: No 392 of 400 copies. Folio, pp. [4], ccxc, [2], 503, [1]. Six plates as called for including 1 double-image plate, plus 2 illustrations within the text and decorative initial letters. Later chocolate brown half-morocco with five raised bands, gilt titles to black label to spine and gilt decoration, with red marbled-paper-covered boards; fore- and lower edges uncut; housed in substantial matching morocco and marbled-paper-covered slipcase. Binding sound; ownership inscription and stamp to half-title otherwise contents clean and crisp. Slipcase very slightly scuffed with minor loss to paper. A Near Fine copy in like slipcase. Comprehensive study of the ninth century Irish manuscript known as the Book of Armagh, sometimes referred to as the Codex Dublinensis. The original work is written mainly in Latin and is held at the Library of Trinity College (MS 52); it consists of a collection of texts including two Lives of St Patrick, a Life of St Martin of Tours and a non-Vulgate New Testament which is the sole known example of the text as read in Celtic churches, and at least the first part was the work of scribe Ferdomanach of Armagh in either 807 or 808. Professor Gwynn (1827-1917) studied for many years to produce this, his magnum opus, and he provides a detailed analysis of the manuscript including its history and content, followed by a reproduction of the original text including the illuminated large initials (in monochrome). Heavyweight so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £875.00