The University of Dayton Libraries are gradually digitizing selected rare works — some of which are the only extant copy — to make them available to readers and researchers worldwide.
The rare materials, contained in three repositories — University Archives and Special Collections; the U.S. Catholic Special Collection, and the Marian Library — number in the tens of thousands; as such, the digitization process will be gradual and selective, using criteria including visual interest; unique characteristic such as annotations; fragility; current curricular connections; and scholarly appeal.
To arrange a visit to the University of Dayton Libraries to see the materials in person, contact the repository (or repositories) noted in the records:
- Marian Library: mlimri@udayton.edu
- University Archives and Special Collections: archives@udayton.edu
- U.S. Catholic Special Collection: uscatholiccollection@udayton.edu
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Antiphonary
Dominicans
Illuminated manuscript
484 pages
Dominican collection of antiphons for the Divine Office from the First Vespers of Christmas through the 4th Sunday after Epiphany, along with the feasts of St. Agnes (Jan. 21), St. Vincent (Jan. 22), and St. Gabriel the Archangel. Possibly from a Spanish monastery; possibly 15th century.
Plainsong notation on five-line staves.
Vellum pages. Front and back cover are decorated with colored parchment covered by bosses.
Title supplied by cataloger.
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Oraisons
Calligraphed in gothic on thin vellum and bound in vellum. Contains 15 communion prayers, 14 in French, 1 in Latin, and 1 hymn, “Ave verum corpus natum,” in both languages.
The first French prayer is the prayer of St. Ambrose. The page is illuminated with a miniature (35 x 37 mm.) representing St. Ambrose in his episcopal robes, in color and in gold, against a background of celestial blue with gold stars. The page is completely framed in a border of scrolled green, blue and red florets, highlighted on a background of gold, in a large border of filiform arabesques with gilt florets.
Eleven other pages are framed by illuminated motifs on the lateral margins; the motifs encircle parts of the upper and lower margins and highlight 37 illuminated initials.
It contains some interesting variations in the text of “Ave verum.” In the given, or standard, Latin text a plural pronoun is used ("Esto nobis praegustatum..." (“Be for us a foretaste [of heaven]). In this book, the Latin and the French translation make the pronoun singular ("Esto michi [=mihi] praegustatum..." - Be for me a foretaste). This version also has a different final line, where again the singular pronoun is used. The Latin word "peccatrici" would seem to indicate the person for whom the book was made, its initial intended user, was a woman.
The Latin prayer is St. Anselm's "O bone Jesu ..."
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Virginal veils
Catalog published by George J. Phillipp & Sons Ecclesiastical Goods, 1933, offering girls' veils for weddings, confirmations, and other religious ceremonies. Catalog also includes diadems, armbands, and boys' boutonnieres. Illustrations include black-and-white and tinted photographs. Descriptions include fabric, sizing, and price information. 28 pages.
Text from last page: "Virginal Veils have assumed the leadership enjoyed by all products of distinction. Charming styles are combined with practical wearing features. In effecting new lowered prices there is no deviation from our recognized policy of quality. The merit of our products is reflected in nation-wide distribution."
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Litanie della Madonna : illustrate per la prima Volta da quando l'arte fu ispirata dalla fede cristiana
Ezio Anichini
These 46 beautiful art nouveau illustrations represent the 46 verses of the Litany of Loreto. These were created by the Italian artist/illustrator Ezio Anichini (1886-1948), one of the primary cover artists for Scena Illustrata, a popular and enduring magazine of Italian society and culture. Scena Illustrata published this book, prefaced with the accolades of many Church officials. The Litany of Loreto was named for the shrine at the Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto, where it has been recited since the mid-sixteenth century.
The Marian Library is one of the only libraries in the world to hold this book. A Marian Library Newsletter article by John A. Shaffer, who collects the work of Ezio Anichini, provides additional information about the book and the artist.
1 portfolio ([3] p., [46] leaves of plates) : chiefly ill. ; 21 cm
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Les mystères sataniques de Lourdes à travers les âges
Léopold Goursat
xi, 116, 124 pages
Published by Arthur Savaète.
Clugnet Collection
Contents: En quoi consista l'acte matériel du péché originel: le naturalisme charnel -- Glorification séculaire du péché originel sous la forme des Pierres obscènes: adoration de la chair -- La Pierre-Vénus de Lourdes: tête du Serpent immonde – Revanche triomphale de l’Immaculée Conception à Lourdes – Opprtunité de ce triomphe à l’heure de la résurrection du culte de la chair.
