Missale Misnense the Most Expensive Purchase of 2009
Published: 17.11.2009
The acquisition of the medieval liturgical book is an important cultural act benefitting researchers in various fields
In May, the National Library of Finland procured the Missale Misnense, an over five-hundred- year-old German missal. The liturgical book is the most expensive acquisition made by the National Library this year.
The purchase was made with a grant from the Niilo Helanderin Säätiö foundation. The missal was commissioned in the former diocese of Meissen, which was located in eastern Germany in the present-day state of Saxony.
Johann VI von Salhausen served as the bishop of Meissen between 1488 and 1518. He was an ambitious church leader who aspired to strengthen the political and spiritual position of his administrative region. His ambition is reflected in the Missale Misnense, which is a particularly impressive work. At least five editions of the book were published between 1485 and 1500.
The National Library of Finland has acquired a copy of the fourth edition of the missal. According to the joint catalogue of incunabula of the Berlin State Library in Germany, the acquisition is the only known copy of the fourth edition. The book was beautifully and meticulously printed on thick paper in Leipzig in 1499, and it remains in good condition.
The Missale Misnense is comparable to the Missale Aboense, a missal from the medieval diocese of Turku (printed in Lübeck in 1488) and the first and only Finnish 15th century printed text, i.e. incunabulum. The Missale Aboense also belongs to the medieval collection of the National Library of Finland. However, it is incomplete, and is comprised of parts of different volumes bound together.
In contrast, the Missale Misnense has been preserved nearly intact in its original binding. The covers of the large book (height 40 cm, width 27.5 cm, thickness 6 cm) are embossed pigskin over wood. The original metal fittings and metal corners of the covers have been preserved. The pages are ornamented with hand-decorated initials containing gold leaf. The book also includes an extensive, intriguing sheet music section.
During the past few years, the National Library of Finland has made conscious efforts to increase the size of its incunabula collection, which currently comprises 410 works.
The Missale Misnense was bought from a private collector. It is a fitting addition to the library’s acquisition programme, as it provides interesting material for researchers in various fields, such as cultural history, liturgical studies, music and the history of printing. Thus the purchase of the book is a culturally significant act in many respects.
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