Aberdeen Breviary (1635)

Scotland's first substantial printed book.
This is the finest surviving copy of this book. It was commissioned by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen, in order to give Scotland its own distinctive liturgy, including prayers to Scottish saints such as St. Kentigern and St. Ninian. Elphinstone had it printed in what is now Edinburgh's Cowgate. Printed in red and black, with handsome woodcuts, it was meant to signal a great cultural and religious renaissance. The Battle of Flodden in 1513 and the troubled years which followed ensured that Elphinstone's vision was never fulfilled, and the Breviary rapidly fell into disuse. This copy was acquired through student contributions in 1635.
Author
Elphinstone, William
Date
1635
Subject
Shelfmark
De.1/1.53-54
Identifier
title page of vol.1,

This collection is IIIF-compliant. See more.