Happy World Book Day!
Throwback pic of our stacks before everything got enclosures.
Boxes are good! They keep our books clean and safe! But we miss seeing the rows of spines in these beautiful, well-loved and well-used collections!
Eclipse(s)!
We are pleased to be positioned on Earth like one of figures in the first picture and will get to experience the 2024 solar eclipse!
These diagrams illustrating solar and lunar eclipses are from a 16th century book of astronomy. For more on this interesting little book (including its volvelles, and an inscription by Swiss Reformed theologian Simon Sulzer) see earlier post here.
Mystic Monday: Jakob Böhme in America
We've posted before about Jakob Böhme (1575-1624), a Lutheran theologian who experienced a direct revelation from God. Though most popular in Germany, this early 19th century printing shows that his books were also read in America. As with earlier editions, the work is heavily illustrated with symbols and diagrams to help the reader (or so it is hoped).
Framed
We found a glittering surprise when we opened this volume from 1501/02. The book contains the Latin text of the biblical book of Ezekiel, along with commentary by the 13th century Dominican priest, Hugh of St. Cher.
The decorated letter here (the only one found in this volume) has a frame border which itself echoes the framing of the biblical text by its commentary.
A Type of Angel
One day we'll put together a collage of all the nonchalant angels, cherubs, and floating baby heads we've found in our collections. But for now, enjoy these little fellows from an 18th century Swedish work on the life of Jesus.
Currently Reading
A gorgeous batch of new old books! Well, they are new to us, donated by the family of a booklover and scholar of religion.
Among these rare books awaiting cataloging and boxing are Foxe's Book of Martyrs (1684), Calvin's Institutes (1611), and Cotton Mather's Magnalia Christi Americana (1702).
We may not get to read them cover to cover, but they certainly captivate us.
New Beginnings
This title page from 1664 depicts the biblical prophet, Jonah, having been swallowed by a whale and spat out again days later.
Best wishes to all for 2024!
Mend and Make Do / Friday Find
This late 16th century book has the presence of a big folio, but it's actually small and portable. The binding is striking, with lots of interesting features.
In addition to the green-washed manuscript "waste" that covers the outer edges of the boards, we note that the part of the leather covering the spine and board is imperfect--with age and fluctuating humidity, the flaw that once was camouflaged with skill is now revealed.
National Cookie Day!
Looking for some "good cookies" to celebrate National Cookie Day? Well, look no further than these recipes from some of our church archival collections. Enjoy!
Snakes on a Page!
On Halloween Eve, our sssspinessss are tingling at the ssssight of these sssspooky ssssnakes! Help!
These images are from a donation of hundreds of religious themed engravings and illustrations. We have determined a subcollection of these is from the Kupfer-Bibel: in welcher die Physica sacra, oder beheiligte Naturwissenschafft derer in Heil. Augspurg & Ulm: Gedruckt bey Christian Ulrich Wagner, 1731-1735.
Creepy Crawlies III
Our annual post of hair-raising critters is here! The scale of the bugs on the borders is especially troubling...
(We’ll also be posting another creepy entry closer to Halloween, so stay tuned!)
These images are from a donation of hundreds of religious themed engravings and illustrations. We have determined a subcollection of these is from the Kupfer-Bibel: in welcher die Physica sacra, oder beheiligte Naturwissenschafft derer in Heil. Augspurg & Ulm: Gedruckt bey Christian Ulrich Wagner, 1731-1735.
Newly Processed!
We’ve just finished processing the records of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills. Totaling 87 boxes, the collection includes general church records, scrapbooks, photographs, and the records of previous ministers of the congregation.
Among some of the ministers who served at Wellesley Hills are Waitstill Sharp, who helped save thousands of Jewish children and intellectuals in Europe during the Nazi regime, and William Rice, who brokered the Unitarian Universalist merger and co-founded Human Relations Service, Inc., the first community mental health agency in the US.
Meet the Special Collections 2023!
In celebration of both American Archives Month and Theological Libraries Month, drop by today, October 11th, to get an up-close look at select items from Harvard Divinity School Library's Special Collections. Meet the curators, ask questions, make a pamphlet, or simply explore a sampling of unique and fascinating materials from the 13th century to the 20th century!
Open House: 12:00PM-5:00PM
Make Your Own Pamphlet: 2:00PM-4:00PM
All are welcome to attend in the Rabinowitz Room on the 3rd floor of the library. We hope to see you there!
Pegasus Pick-Me-Up
It's Wednesday. Time to break out the flying horse.
This printer's mark for Thomas Fritschen is found on the title page for a late 17th century German book of bible quotations.
Mystic Monday: Take a Look Around
More from Lutheran mystic Jakob Böhme: Morgenröte im Aufgang, also called Aurora. This is Böhme's earliest (and perhaps his most influential) work, here in a edition produced more than 150 years after it was written. The title describes it as a work of philosophy, astrology, and theology.
The work circulated first as an unpublished manuscript, where it gained its author supporters and detractors. City officials responded by banning Böhme from further writing. (Spoiler: He didn't stop writing.)
This 1780 edition features a red and black title page, with a facing, engraved illustration depicting what appears to be a large sphere made of rows of eyes rising above or past another world.
We sigh to see the ink library stamp applied right smack in the middle of the illustration: Physical and mystical realms collide.
Refulgent Summer Blooms
August has slipped into September, but these are always blooming. Enjoy these shining bright flowers of the Dutch gilt paper end papers in an 18th century work by Christian mystic, Jakob Böhme. (For more on the contents of the book, see this recent post.)
Mystic Monday: Jakob Böhme
Starting a new, occasional series to highlight some visually striking images found in our collection of printed writings by Christian mystics!
Jakob Böhme (1575-1624) was a Lutheran theologian who experienced a direct revelation from God that informed his understanding of the world and the relationship between human and the Divine.
Böhme's works were popular reprints (even though some found his works heretical) and often include illustrations to help explain mystical concepts. The heart shape appears frequently, a symbol of the Son (in the Holy Trinity) and of the connection with the Divine.
In addition to the spectacular engraved fold-out plates (including great Böhme side-eye action), this 1730 volume of collected writings has an interesting title page created by pasting a printed, cut-out heart onto another page. It reminds of homemade valentines.