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: marianlibrary@udayton.edu
- University Archives and Special Collections: archives@udayton.edu
- U.S. Catholic Special Collection: uscatholiccollection@udayton.edu
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Annunciation: manuscript leaf from a book of hours
Catholic Church
Manuscript leaf on vellum: 166 x 110 mm, color illustrations, illuminations
Annunciation miniature from Matins, the first hour of the Office of the Virgin. From a book of hours produced in the mid-15th century. Floral border on shell gold surrounds miniature of Gabriel kneeling before Mary on recto; floral border on left side of verso outlined in red next to 16 lines of gothic script in black ink with illuminated initials and line-fillers.
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Calendar from Book of Hours; use of Paris
Catholic Church
Manuscript on vellum (13 unnumbered leaves), bound: color illustrations, illuminations; 167 x 135 mm, bound to 172 x 140 mm
Calendar of saints' feast days from a French Book of Hours, use of Paris, which was evidently intact in the late 18th century when the descriptive note on the original first flyleaf was handwritten and dated 4 February 1792 by one 'Rouxeau', priest of Le Loroux-Bottereau. Rouxeau is assumed to be Julien-Pierre Rouxeau (1734-1811); the calendar as currently bound includes the 19th century bookplace of H. Arthur Baker.
Date is estimated from the 18th century owner's handwritten comment: "Ces heures, aussi belle qui anciennes, sont ecrites a la main vers la fin du 14e siecle."
