Pretty books!

[highlyeccentric]

Liturgy and the Word: the role of books in Western religion

Rare Books and Special Collections, University of Sydney Library

Level 2 Fisher Library

July - 31 October 2007

From the Middle Ages onwards there were many types of books available to the clergy and the religious laity: the Bible, the various liturgical books which were central to medieval religious practice and ceremony, books of guidance for the clergy and books for individual devotion and prayer.

 

As literacy spread among new sections of society during the late Middle Ages and the purchasing power of the laity increased patronage of books of personal devotion began to flourish. Books of individual prayer, the richly illuminated books which we now call Books of Hours, as well as guides to devout living such as the Biblia Pauperum and the Ars Moriendi grew in popularity.

 

This exhibition, drawn from the University of Sydney Library's Rare Books and Special Collections Library, brings together examples of some of the works that were available for use, study and contemplation throughout this period.

Stick your nose into Rare Book on your way to Special Reserve...