Editorial Base

 

Manuscript C6-A398 housed in the Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona, commonly known to date as the Book of Hours of Bernat Martorell, is one of the most remarkable Catalan codices of the 15th century due its documentary value and the miniatures illuminating it. In terms of liturgical books, this codex is considered an exceptional liturgical and devotional psalter.

 

 

The only existing copy, dated circa 1430-1435 and on parchment, is lavishly illustrated with full-page miniatures of the Annunciation, the Stations of the Cross and the Crucifixion, as well as a frontispiece adorned with the figure of David in its capital letter.

 

In the Middle Ages, the preparation of a manuscript volume was a complex process that varied according to factors such as the nature of the text, the purpose for which it was intended and the social status of the intended user. In this case, it is a book that contains various already well-established texts – the Psalms of David in full – which was intended for daily use by a person who, judging by the splendid workmanship evident in the volume, must have enjoyed a privileged social status.

 

The architect Josep Oriol Mestres was gifted the book by a monastic community in Barcelona whose identity is unknown. His son Apel·les Mestres later bequeathed it to the city along with a very extensive collection of his own drawings as well as other items, among them a fragment of the chambranle of the Altarpiece of the Transfiguration in Barcelona Cathedral painted by the same Bernat Martorell.

 

The leading specialists in the field were brought together as part of the meticulous preparation of this edition and their expertise and extensive bibliography have ensured the rigour and quality of all aspects of the final product.

 

The box contains the manuscript, along with its transcription and translation. Only materials in keeping with the high quality standards of Editorial Base books were used in the printing of this volume.

 

This spectacular facsimile edition is also accompanied by a thorough study guide on the work.

 

Scientific coordinator of the edition: Gabriel Seguí i Trobat

Authors: Anna Gudayol; Gabriel Seguí i Trobat; Sebastià Riera i Viader; Manuel Rovira i Solà; Rafael Cornudella; Guadaira Macías

(Catalan edition)

 

Edition overseen by Gabriel Seguí i Trobat

Transcription by Gaspar Feliu i Monfort

Transcription of the work: Latin

 

Translation by Gabriel Seguí i Trobat

Translation of the Psalms: The Bible Association of Catalonia’s Catalan Interdenominational Bible

(Catalan edition)

 

ISBN: 978-84-19007-90-2 (Complete set)

ISBN: 978-84-19007-91-9 (Facsimile)

ISBN: 978-84-19007-92-6 (Study book)

ISBN: 978-84-19007-93-3 (Transcript)

ISBN: 978-84-19007-94-0 (Translation)

 

To RESERVE a copy call  (+34) 93.410.49.52 / (+34) 610.260.847 or send an email to edicionsfacsimils@editorialbase.com. You can buy the book online.