AUTHOR: UNKNOWN

LANGUAGE: GERMAN, LATIN

DATE: 1577

REPRODUCTION DIMENSIONS: 11.75 X 8.75 IN

HISTORY/DESCRIPTION: THIS IS A MANUSCRIPT FROM 1557, A CATALOG OF DEVOTIONS IN LATIN AND FRENCH. IT ORIGINATED FROM THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN VATICAN CITY.  IT HAS 226 PAGES OF DEVOTION, AND THE MANUSCRIPT ON PARCHMENT OF SUFFRAGES AND PRAYERS. IT'S REPUTED TO HAVE BEEN MADE FOR MARGUERITE DE VALOIS, THE DUCHESS OF SAVOY (1523-74), THOUGH THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS WITHIN THE MANUSCRIPT.

REPRODUCTION DETAILS: THE HARDCOVER BOOKS ARE MADE WITH TWO PIECES OF REAL WOOD ON THE INSIDE. THE LEATHER IS A 4 OZ COWHIDE, FROM A SMALL SUPPLIER IN NEW YORK STATE. THE GLUE WE USE TO ATTACH THE LEATHER TO THE WOOD IS MADE AT OUR FACILITY, AND IS A PERIOD CORRECT WHEAT GLUE. ALONG THE SPINE, WE USE A MODERN PERFECT BINDING, WITH MODERN GLUE, TO MAKE THE BINDING LAST LONGER. WE ALSO ADD THREE LAYERS OF MULL CLOTH TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE PERFECT BINDING, DRYING IN BETWEEN EACH LAYER, A TRADITIONAL WAY TO MAKE THE BINDING STIFF, STRONG, AND RESILIENT.