Bridwell Library’s collection of books for public worship and private devotion spans eight centuries. The types of books highlighted in this exhibition include the Missal, used for the celebration of the Mass; the Psalter and the Book of Hours, for personal prayer;  and a variety of popular manuals for private devotion, including the “Imitation of Christ” and the “Art of Dying.” The spiritual functions of such books often were enhanced by rich hand decoration or printed illustration.

                          

Sarum Missal

Book of Hours

Imitatio Christi

Maillard, La Confession

Ferial Psalter

           

Ars moriendi

First Book of Common Prayer

Paraphrases of the Psalms

Engraved French Prayers

Mozarabic Missal