This man's handling of an object of this quality and value, never mind its price on the open market which will exceed that of your house, displays a questionable respect for its antiquity and fragility, considering it's not his. Nicely down to earth presentation, but nothing a competent MA student couldn't provide. Sorry, chaps.
This book would be made on vellum - calf skin - and the acid from this man's hands is negatively impacting this book's survival. Why no gloves? Always gloves with vellum, no? And why no foam book cradle? I can see the loose binding and loose, unbound leaves - why is he putting more strain on this book than is necessary or good for it by just opening it without any support? Pretty shocking. These books may have been common in the 15th century, but they are less common now, becoming rarer all the time as poor treatment causes leaves to be lost or damaged and books to be broken and the more attractive pages sold off (eBay is a horror show of the dismembered treasures of medieval book culture)... if we are to preserve our heritage we can start by having our experts set a good example in rare book care and stewardship. I enjoyed what he had to say, but shame about one of the two finest books of hours in Australia - and certainly a world treasure - being treated this way.
Gloves are not recommended for working with pages - you are more likely to damage the fine vellum with gloved fingers. Should you wear gloves to handle old books? “Before handling any collection item, thoroughly wash and dry hands. Contrary to widespread belief, gloves are not necessarily recommended to handle rare or valuable books. Gloves (nitrile or vinyl) are always recommended if there is reason to suspect a health hazard (e.g., mold, arsenic)
These are all so beautiful works of art.
This man's discussion goes into so much farther depth than any of the others that discuss books of hours.
how amazing it was in times there was not even radio to have such a book or go to church and look at the paintings
Wonderful explanation!
amazing book....i wish i had it....it must be very expensive....
.... "Given to the library by friends of the library who purchased it as a gift?"
Coded not to many people can understand them
This man's handling of an object of this quality and value, never mind its price on the open market which will exceed that of your house, displays a questionable respect for its antiquity and fragility, considering it's not his. Nicely down to earth presentation, but nothing a competent MA student couldn't provide. Sorry, chaps.
This book would be made on vellum - calf skin - and the acid from this man's hands is negatively impacting this book's survival. Why no gloves? Always gloves with vellum, no? And why no foam book cradle? I can see the loose binding and loose, unbound leaves - why is he putting more strain on this book than is necessary or good for it by just opening it without any support? Pretty shocking. These books may have been common in the 15th century, but they are less common now, becoming rarer all the time as poor treatment causes leaves to be lost or damaged and books to be broken and the more attractive pages sold off (eBay is a horror show of the dismembered treasures of medieval book culture)... if we are to preserve our heritage we can start by having our experts set a good example in rare book care and stewardship. I enjoyed what he had to say, but shame about one of the two finest books of hours in Australia - and certainly a world treasure - being treated this way.
I was wondering the same thing I guess he just doesn't give a fuck.
Exactly, he is live stupid .... need to use gloves... lack of common sense
Gloves are not recommended for working with pages - you are more likely to damage the fine vellum with gloved fingers.
Should you wear gloves to handle old books?
“Before handling any collection item, thoroughly wash and dry hands. Contrary to widespread belief, gloves are not necessarily recommended to handle rare or valuable books. Gloves (nitrile or vinyl) are always recommended if there is reason to suspect a health hazard (e.g., mold, arsenic)