This substantial composite manuscript contains approximately 2.000 recipes and instructions, principally from art technology, but also other medical, culinary and alchemistic ones. The manuscript had been the property of the Bieler family, residents of Solothurn since the 17th century; the family counted several artisans in its ranks. (hol)

Online Since: 10/10/2019

This composite manuscript was compiled around 1560 in Obwalden; a Hans Werb is named as writer. In addition to medieval mystical texts (Rulman Merswin, Neunfelsenbuch; Henry Suso, Büchlein der ewigen Weisheit), it contains other spiritual texts such as prayers, meditations, prophecies, legends (among others about Nicholas of Flüe) and copies of contemporary pamphlets. (hol)

Online Since: 03/17/2016

This Parisian or Sorbonne Bible, produced around 1270 in Northern France, is remarkable not only for the form of its text including glosses and corrections, but also for its high-quality illuminated initials. The volume came to Zuchwil in the late 16th century and from the 17th century on, it has been held in the Solothurn abbey library. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

The Solothurn Legendary is the earliest example of a collection of legends in the German language. This manuscript was written during the second quarter of the 14th century in a Dominican cloister, possibly in Töss (near Winterthur) or in Oetenbach (Zurich). The manuscript was acquired by Solothurn in the 17th century. (hol)

Online Since: 07/31/2009

This missal of the Franciscan use contains Sunday and Feast-day masses from the Temporal and the Sanctoral. A possessor's mark from the Franciscan Franz Meyer, from 1587 warden of the Solothurn convent, proves that the manuscript came from that convent. Originally, it may have come, as Schönherr hypothesizes, from the Franciscan convent in Bern, which was dissolved during the Reformation. (hol)

Online Since: 09/06/2023

This small volume with the German translation of the Franciscan Rule (“Augsburger Drittordensregel”) comes from the Franciscan convent of Solothurn and is probably connected with the tertiaries or the Beguinage “zum Lämmli” in Solothurn, which was entrusted to the Franciscans for the cure of souls. (hol)

Online Since: 09/06/2023

This German book of meditations and prayers for Dominican nuns was produced at the Inselkloster St. Michael in Bern. It contains, inter alia, numerous excerpts from the writings of Gertrud of Helfta and Mechthild of Hackeborn. Most of it was written in 1507 by Sister Luzia von Moos. Beginning in the 17th century the manuscript is known to have been in the possession of the Solothurn family Gugger; at the beginning of the 19th century it was obtained by the Solothurn City Library. (hol)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

The Küchenmeisterei is one of the most widely known German language cookbooks. The Solothurn manuscript of the Küchenmeisterei is a copy of a printed edition, produced no earlier than 1487. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

This small-format missal is an important witness for the Franciscan liturgy of the thirteenth century. Schönherr hypothesizes an origin in the Franciscan province of Upper Germany, and a Bavarian provenance (the convent of Franciscan nuns zum Heiligen Kreuz, Landshut?). A possessor’s mark of the warden of the Franciscan convent of Dieburg near Darmstadt dates to 1513. It is not known how and when the manuscript got to Solothurn. (hol)

Online Since: 09/06/2023

The provost and dramatist Johannes Aal (ca. 1500-1551) was a leading figure in 16th century Solothurn. This composite manuscript, produced between 1517 and 1518, gives an insight into his time as a student. It contains excerpts on Greek and Latin grammar and rhetoric, writings on music theory, as well as excerpts from Petrarch, Guarini, Johannes Reuchlin, Sebastian Brant and others. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

This small volume contains a collection of organ works and sacred songs, among them several unique examples by Tarquinio Merula, Martin Benn, Jakob Bannwart (organ music) and Isabella Leonarda (motets from her lost Opus 1). The collection was created “Ad usum Jo: Victoris Ruossingeri Solodorensis. Ao 1656.” The writer probably was Johann Victor Russinger (1630–1700), then chaplain and later canon of St. Ursus in Solothurn. In the 19th century, this small volume was owned by the Solothurn Franciscan Franz Ludwig Studer (1804–1873); later it became part of the Central Library of Solothurn. (bra)

Online Since: 10/08/2015

The oldest remaining Solothurn chronicle by Anton Haffner (ca. 1535-ca. 1608) has survived in various manuscript versions. This version was written on paper by Anton Haffner himself around 1577. There are also comments in the hand of his great nephew, Franz Haffner (1609-1671), author of the better-know printed Solothurn chronicle of 1666. (hol)

Online Since: 10/08/2015

This manuscript was created in the third quarter of the 15th century, probably in the Upper Rhine area or rather Switzerland, as evidenced by the original binding which is decorated with numerous individual stamps. In addition to the translation of the Psalms with commentary, which had earlier been attributed to Heinrich von Mügeln, the manuscript also contains the Cantica of the breviary in German. The circumstances that brought this volume to Solothurn are not known. (hol)

Online Since: 03/17/2016

This manuscript, which was produced in the Upper Rhine area in 1457, contains a remarkably independent translation of the biblical Books of Wisdom, the oldest German translation of several works by Seneca, and a translation, also independent, of the teachings on the ‘cura domestica’ by the Pseudo-Bernhard of Clairvaux. It is not known how this volume came to Solothurn, but it has been part of the holdings of the Solothurn City Library since the 18th century already. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

This composite manuscript brings together assorted treatises, mainly computistical and astronomical works (by Jakob Twinger von Königshofen, Johannes Münzinger, Johannes de Sacrobosco and others). It was written between 1388 and 1394 in Strassburg and in Rottweil on the Neckar (Wurttemberg) by Konrad Justinger and by Werner Mardersberger. One of the scribes, Werner Mardersberger was later director of the Solothurn Abbey School. The volume was acquired by the Solothurn Abbey Library in 1504. (hol)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Between 1438 and 1443 the proceedings of the Council of Basel with some interruptions, were recorded at first hand by Council Notary Jakob Hüglin (ca. 1400-1484). Hüglin, a canon lawyer, was provost of the collegiate church of St. Ursus in Solothurn from 1455 until his death in 1484. Thus these original notes on the proceedings, together with other conciliar documents, eventually made their way into the Solothurn City Library. (hol)

Online Since: 02/17/2010

Compiled in 1593 by Felix Schmid from Stein am Rhein, this composite manuscript contains, among other items, the richly illustrated alchemistic treatise Splendor solis, various works by Paracelsus and Leonhard Thurneisser zum Thurn, and other alchemistic writings. Noteworthy is the binding by Hans Ludwig Brem from Lindau am Bodensee. (hol)

Online Since: 10/08/2015

The Cantatorium presents selections from the Gradual; it contains music for solo-voice elements of the Mass that are meant to be sung by the cantor. This manuscript from the late 15th century originated in the Abbey of St. Urs at Solothurn and was occasionally used in the parish of Biberist. Particularly noteworthy in this volume are German versions of two hymns. (hol)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

The Solothurn history Bible (“Historienbibel”) was created in 1460 in the workshop of Diebold Lauber in Hagenau (Alsace). This prestigious piece of work may have been comissioned by Solothurn City Clerk Hans vom Stall (1419-1499). In 1763 the book was acquired by the Solothurn City Library as a part of the von Staal family library. (hol)

Online Since: 07/31/2009

An early textual witness of Peter Lombard’s († 1160) Sententiae, created perhaps even while the important Scholastic was still alive. Probably written in an Alsatian scriptorium, the manuscript was at Schönenwerd chapter of canons in the 15th century and was rebound by the bookbinder Woldaricus. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

Remnants of an Alcuin's Bible from the Dominican Monastery of Bern, which were used around 1495 by the bookbinder Johannes Vatter as pastedowns for various incunables that are currently held in Bern and Solothurn. After the secularization of the monastery in 1528, the host volume reached Solothurn; it was first held in the library of the St. Ursus Monastery, after its secularization in the cantonal library, one of the predecessors of the current Solothurn Central Library. Reunification of the fragments: [sine loco], codices restituti, Cod. 5 (Biblia latina). (mit)

Online Since: 12/12/2019

Fewer than ten textual witnesses of Theodulf of Orléans’ († 821) version of the Vulgata have survived. Numerous fragments of such a 9th century Theodulf Bible from the collegiate church of St. Ursus in Solothurn, where it was cut up and used as binding material, have been preserved in the state archives of Solothurn and the central library of Solothurn. Virtual reunification of the fragments: [sine loco], codices restituti, Cod. 3 (Biblia Theodulfi Fragmenta). (hol)

Online Since: 03/19/2015

This Franciscan Gradual was produced between 1320 and 1330 in a scriptorium in the Upper Rhine area. It was originally the property of the Franciscan monastery in Solothurn, where it remained in use until the 18th century. (hol)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

The illuminator Claudio Rofferio († ca. 1567) was an Augustinian canon. Originally from the Aosta Valley, he was active in various regions; from 1539 until about 1544 he created a series of illuminated manuscripts for the Cistercian Abbey of Altenberg near Cologne. From about 1550 until after 1560, he worked for various monasteries and religious institutions in Switzerland, such as Beromünster, Muri, Schönenwerd and St. Urban. For Schönenwerd chapter of canons he wrote and illuminated this representative Gradual, dated to the years 1556 and 1559. (hol)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

In the years 1529-1531 the St. Gall humanist, reformer, and politician Joachim Vadian wrote a history of the abbey and city of St. Gall during the high and late middle ages (1199-1491). It goes by the title Grössere Chronik der Äbte (Great Chronicle of the Abbots). In this work, Vadian describes the way the abbey town changed into a self-reliant, independent city and became wealthy from the cloth weaving industry. The historical work is simultaneously a work of heated reformist protest, exposing and often bitingly commenting upon the increasing corruption of church dignitaries and institutions, particularly the Abbots and Abbey of St. Gall since the investiture conflict. (gam)

Online Since: 12/19/2011

The manuscript today known as the “Kleinere Chronik der Äbte von St. Gallen” (Lesser chronicle of the abbots of St. Gall) is an autograph; it describes the history of the Monastery of St. Gall from its beginnings under Abbot Othmar around the year 720 up to the year 1532, that is, to the period of the Reformation. The emphasis initially is on the history of the monastery; from the 13th century onward, what appears more and more is the history of the city of St. Gall, which was able to establish its independence and the Reformation. (goe)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

This manuscript, an autograph, contains a historical-topographical description of “Turgöuw” or Eastern Switzerland (pp. 1-3) as well as of the “Oberbodensee” (pp. 201-227), that is, the villages and areas on the northern (from Bregenz to Überlingen) and southern (from Rheineck to Kreuzlingen) shore [of Lake Constance]; it further contains a historical overview of the development of monasticism and ecclesiastical institutions and of the process of their decay (pp. 3-138), a history of Saint Gall and of the monastery of St. Gall (pp. 138-193), and the history of the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar to Caligula (pp. 229-323). (goe)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

This manuscript, an autograph, contains various writings on the monastic way of life and about monasticism in the past and present. It contains, among others, translations of letters by Saint Jerome and of sermons by Bernard of Clairvaux. These are argumentation aids for disputes with proponents of monasteries and convents. (goe)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

This late 15th century manuscript contains a chronicled account, written by several authors, of the history of the monastery of St. Gall in the early and high Middle Ages, as well as several theological Quaestiones. The account is preceded by a list of abbots from the founder Otmar up to Berchtold von Falkenstein (1244-1272); a second list of abbots continuing until 1503 is added at the end. (gam)

Online Since: 03/22/2017

This voluminous composite manuscript brings together the Casus Sancti Galli, the history of the monastery of St. Gall from the early and high Middle Ages, and about 50 lives of saints in texts of various lengths, among them those of the St. Gall saints Gallus, Otmar and Wiborada. The manuscript was created in the 1450s, when relations between the monastery and the town of St. Gall were sorted out, and the monastery launched extensive reforms. (gam)

Online Since: 03/22/2017

This chronicle of the Reformation, an autograph illustrated with numerous woodcuts, comprises seven “books”: the first book is about Christ and the Pope, and Kessler describes the old church. In the second book he describes the emergence of Luther and the new faith. Books III through VII give a detailed report about the beginning and the course of the Reformation in St. Gall and in the adjacent area ruled by the Prince-Abbots, in the Swiss Confederation and in the German Empire. Regarding volume and detail, the events in St. Gall and in Eastern Switzerland take up the largest share. Mentioned and praised over and over again are the merits of Vadian, whose work Kessler named “Sabbata” because it was written “an den Sabbaten, das sind an den Fyrtagen und Fyrabendstunden” (on the Sabbath, which are the holidays and the hours at the end of the day, after work). (goe)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

The composite manuscript VadSlg Ms. 292 combines three independently produced parts, bound together in about 1460 at the Abbey of St. Gall. The first part is a Psalter from the 9th century; whether it was produced in St. Gall is questionable. The hymnal from the 12th century that comprises the second part contains a dedicatory illustration showing the scribe Eberhard presenting his book to Gallus, while Pope Gregory sits at a podium writing down songs that that a dove representing the Holy Spirit is whispering in his ear. The third part is a fragment containing prologues to the Psalter. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

These fragments from late antiquity are among the oldest surviving copies of the Gospels in the "Vulgate" Latin version edited by Jerome († 420). The manuscript was most likely produced in northern Italy before his death. In the early middle ages it came into the possession of the Abbey of St. Gall. These particular leaves were attached to the spine and inner side of the cover for reinforcement, as part of a new binding applied to VadSlg Ms. 292 during the reorganization of the library in about 1460. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This Evangelary with an unusual, nearly square format and full-page illuminated initials was written and decorated in the late 9th century at the Abbey of St. Gall. The binding, which was originally covered in bright silk brocade in red, yellow, and green, is equally unusual. Remnants of this material can still be found on the inner edge of the cover. The volume was annotated by Ekkehart IV during the 11th century; there are also some verses in his hand at the end. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This small-format volume from the 11th century combines a calendar, a gradual with neumes, and sung parts of the Mass with a sacramentary containing the prayers of the Mass. It was likely written in the Abbey of St. Gall; in the late middle ages it was moved to the chapel of Peter and Paul in Rotmonten near St. Gall. Numerous entire leaves and parts of leaves containing decorated initials have been cut out. (gam)

Online Since: 12/21/2010

In the works De arithmetica and De institutione musica Boethius transmitted Greek mathematics and music theory to medieval readers. The polychrome schematic illustrations in this 12th century manuscript are particularly carefully made. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This volume produced in 1420 in Florence is among the earliest manuscripts written in Humanist minuscule, and it is possible that this is a direct copy from the model written by Poggio Bracciolini, the inventor of this script. According to the judgment of Berthold Louis Ullman, it is "perhaps the best example of humanistic writing during the first decade of the fifteenth century - except Poggio's." (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This Rudolf von Ems manucript originated in the same area of Zurich that produced the Manessische Liederhanschrift (Manesse Song Script). It represents one of the most accomplished examples of south German book decoration from the time around 1300, with excellent miniatures illustrating the Chronicle of the World by Rudolf von Ems and the Stricker's epic poem about Charlemagne and his military campaign in Spain. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This volume is the second of a three-volume set, an edition of Livius written in 1442 and 1143 in Padua. It is of particular interest because the texual model is well-known: the Livius manuscript of Sicco Polentone (1375/76-1446), Chancellor of Padua, today Holkham Hall Library, MS 349. This manuscript is written in an extremely regular semi-Gothic script augmented with exquisite white vine scroll initials. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This 10th century manuscript contains the works of Horace. It is arranged in such a way as to leave lots of space for marginal glosses next to the poems. These glosses — usually together with interlinear glosses — have been added in a different ink from the main text and by various hands. The localization of the manuscript is uncertain. The only Old High German gloss might have been written in Franconia. The manuscript’s presence in St. Gall is not attested until the middle of the 17th century. (gam)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

This unimposing composite manuscript contains six works of differing content types and origins, bound together under the auspices of the librarian of St. Gall in about 1460. The individual elements were produced independently of one another during the 9th or 10th century. Some are incomplete, lacking the beginning, the ending, or both. Nevertheless, this composite manuscript received attention from early on, as some of the component parts are important for the texts they transmit. This volume contains the only early medieval transmissions of the Langobard Chronicle by Andreas Bergamensis and the life of the Irish saint Findan. The "Admonitio ad filium" by the Greek church father Basilius and the "Visio Pauli", an early christian vision of the afterlife, are among the oldest of textual artifacts. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This cartulary contains the major legal title of the Premonstratensian abbey of Weissenau near Ravensburg; the popes, emperors, kings, princes, dukes, counts, bishops and vicars mentioned in the cartulary are portrayed in the margins with their attributes of office. Prepended to the cartulary itself is a history of the founding of the monastery: appended are a tribute register and other documents. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This small mahzor according to the Roman rite was written in Italy during the 14th century. It contains a first section with abridged prayers for the festivals of the Jewish liturgical year (Pessah, Shavuot, Rosh ha-Shanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atseret) and a second section, enclosing many liturgical poems accompanying the prayers. This prayer ritual was not only written for personal use, due to its size, but may have also been destined for a woman, since a word, found in the vidui (confession), situated in the manuscript at the end of the Yom Kippur afternoon prayers, ends with a feminine suffix. (iss)

Online Since: 06/13/2019

This book of hours is from the workshop of the Master of Gold Scrolls, which was probably located in Bruges and specialized in the production of books of hours. It was likely made for someone in Flanders in the middle of the 15th century. Contrary to the usual sequence of texts, this book of hours features the Office of the Virgin after those of the Cross and of the Holy Spirit. When this book of hours was rebound, a series of cut-out historiated initials were inserted that pick up on the themes of the miniatures. In 1615 the bibliophile St. Gallen merchant Jakob Studer donated this book of hours to the municipal library. (kra)

Online Since: 12/10/2020

This richly illustrated pocket bible from the third quarter of the 13th century contains the Old and New Testaments. It combines the new chapter numerations of the 13th century and the older Eusebian numeration of the Gospels; the Psalm section includes Gallican versions set side by side with translations by Jerome. The Psalm section also includes historiated initials accompanied by interesting humorous sayings. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

The illustrations and text enjoy equal importance in this illustrated work of anti-papal propaganda, named after its opening "Ascende calve". The Vadian Collection manuscript is the most important exemplar of this text, which takes the form of proverbs. The most notable and fascinating feature of this manuscript is the way in which the gray-tone illustrations are used. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This two-volume, large format history Bible (“Historienbibel”) is illustrated throughout in an artistic style characteristic of the workshop of Diebold Lauber in Hagenau. This history Bible is traceable to Constance in the third quarter of the 15th century; some defects were repaired in St. Gall in the early 17th century – one of the early conservation efforts undertaken in this city. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This two-volume, large format history Bible (“Historienbibel”) is illustrated throughout in an artistic style characteristic of the workshop of Diebold Lauber in Hagenau. This history Bible is traceable to Constance in the third quarter of the 15th century; some defects were repaired in St. Gallen in the early 17th century – one of the early conservation efforts undertaken in this city. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

The Speculum humanae salvations is a work consisting of texts and illustrations of Biblical content. Each double page of the opened book shows four images, which usually juxtapose one scene from the life of Christ with three prefigurations from the Old Testament. In the present manuscript, this order has not been sustained consistently. The Latin text source has been translated into German verses, which earlier were erroneously attributed to Konrad von Helmsdorf. The Speculum is preserved as a composite manuscript of manuscripts and printed works; several pages are missing in the beginning. (gam)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

This paper manuscript contains a series of alchemistic writings attributed to the Catalan Franciscan Raimundus Lullus. It was copied by the scribe Johannes de Sancta Maria. The text is accompanied by twenty colored plates depicting the alchemistic process of transforming base metals into noble ones. The manuscript is part of a group of works of alchemistic content that was the property of Bartlome Schobinger (1500-1585), a wealthy merchant, book collector and councilman of the city of St. Gall, who left his notes in the manuscript. Schobinger is considered a promoter of alchemy and its studies, an interest that complemented his activities in the metal trade. (ber)

Online Since: 10/08/2020

The cosmology of the Lyon physician and astrologer Louis de Lange treats the formation of the world and describes the earth and the stars in the sky. The illustrations of the decans, showing the subdivision of each of the twelve signs of the zodiac into three astrological sections, are worthy of particular attention. Despite the attractive illustration, the work was not very popular; only a few manuscripts are known to exist. (gam)

Online Since: 05/20/2009

This collection of works was produced during the third quart of the 15th century, under the influence of early humanism, in one of the southwestern German states. It contains German and Latin texts from the late middle ages as well as some interlinear and marginal glosses. The newer works by humanist authors include contributions by Petrarch, Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini (later Pope Pius II), Hieronymus de Vallibus and Antonio Barzizza. (gam)

Online Since: 11/04/2010

Heinrich Schlüsselfelder's work, Blumen der Tugend, a collection of brief instructive tales, is derived from an Italian model. The author, originally from Nürnberg, translated them into German in 1468 in Italy. The paper is of Italian manufacture; the Lombard initials, the binding stamp and what remains of the fasteners are all of Italian design. For illustrations Schlüsselfelder used early Italian copperplate engravings portraying the cardinal virtues and a unicorn; slightly later he, or a reader, illustrated the text with color-washed pen sketches in the margins. (gam)

Online Since: 11/04/2010

This 6,5 meter long parchment scroll depicts the history of the world, from Adam and Eve up to Christ, as a “Heilsgeschichte” (history of salvation); central events are illustrated with multicolored pen and ink drawings. Representing later epochs up to the middle of the 14th century, tables list the popes up to Innocent IV (elected in 1352) as well as the kings and emperors up to Charles IV. (gam)

Online Since: 12/17/2015

The impulse for writing the original model of this text, Vadian’s “Kleinere Chronik der Äbte” (1544-46) (VadSlg Ms. 44), came from Heinrich Bullinger and Johannes Stumpf; they wanted to make use of Vadian’s knowledge of the history of St. Gall for the Eidgenössische Chronik (1547/48) that appeared under Stumpf’s name. The chronicle consists of three parts: the first part is about Saint Gall; the second part is a history of the monastery and of the city of St. Gall; the third part gives a historical-topographical description of the city of St. Gall and of Lake Constance. Wolfgang Fechter produced two copies thereof in 1549. The illustrations are by Caspar Hagenbuch. (gug)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

The homilies of Gregory the Great in an 11th century script, with red initials and captions. The work was already included in a 10th/11th century book catalog as being held in Pfafers, and it remained in the cloister library after the devastating fire of 1665 as well as after secularization in 1838. On the front and back flyleaves and pastedowns are fragments of the Historia ecclesiastica by Eusebius Caesariensis (9th/10th century). (kur)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Dating from the first half of the 11th century, this is the oldest surviving lectionary from Pfäfers Abbey; it probably was created in the monastery’s scriptorium. (kur)

Online Since: 10/08/2015

This volume, assembled in the 14th century from four originally separate pieces, probably was the missal for the chapel at St. Margrethenberg (Sampans) above Pfäfers. The chants in parts 1 (1r-63v, 12th century), 2 (64r-77v, 13th-14th century) and 4 (129r-131v, 12th century) contain neumes, part 3 (78r-128v, 14th century) is in square notation. (kur)

Online Since: 10/08/2015

Calendar, gradual and sacramentary from the parish church St. Evort in Pfäfers; held in the library of Pfäfers Abbey since the 17th/18th century. With initials, rich decoration and a full-page image of the crucifixion (the canon image) on fol 59r. On fol. 173v, an Alemannischer Glauben und Beichte were later added by a 13th century hand. (kur)

Online Since: 06/14/2018

Composite manuscript containing a contemporary version of the Versus de bello Fontanetico, a poem on the battle of Fontenoy-en-Puisaye on June 25, 841. (erh)

Online Since: 12/19/2011

This manuscript was produced at the monastery of Pfäfers before ca. 1020 and contains the Dialogues of Pope Gregory I. A guard-leaf containing an important fragment of a Passion Play in German from the early fourteenth century has been removed during a recent restoration. (erh)

Online Since: 03/22/2012

Composite manuscript of hagiographic character containing the lives of Saints Colomban, Eustacius, Gall, Otmar, Nicholas of Myre, Augustine, Meinrad, Walburga, Sigismond, Alexis, and Aper as well as a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew by Remigius of Auxerre. (erh)

Online Since: 12/19/2011

The Pfafers manuscript of the Vitas Patrum or Adhortationes sanctorum patrum ad profectum perfectionis monachorum was produced during the first half of the 9th century. It contains teachings of the fathers of Christian monasticism, who were extremely well received during the middle ages and had a strong influence on hagiography. This text was written by one hand and includes black, red and yellow filled initials and captions. On the front and back pastedowns are fragments of a homiliarium. (kur)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Manuscript on paper from the library of the Abbey of Pfäfers, dissolved in 1838, containing the German translation by Otto of Diemeringen, widely disseminated in the late middle ages, of Jean de Mandeville's Travels. The Manuscript is illustrated with richly colored pen and ink drawings, which provide cultural and historical insights into this period. (kur)

Online Since: 10/15/2007

Ardüser’s notes begin in the year 1572 and end in 1614. His chronicle is considered an important source of political and social life in the "Alt Fry Rätien" of the time. Not until the 1870s was Hans Ardüser’s chronicle discovered and published by cantonal high school principal J. Bott from Grisons. A large part of the chronicle consists of reports about political events at the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century. In his work Ardüser also mentions crimes and the execution of witches; among other things he reports about extraordinary weather events and consequent crop failures. From his autobiographical nots, which are recorded in the "Rätische Chronik" (Raetian chronicle) as well, it becomes clear that Ardüser was a gifted reader. We can conclude that he obtained his knowledge about all of these topics from written sources such as parish registers, circulating news bulletins, official publications and personal contacts to officials, returning mercenary soldiers or traveling merchants. (jan)

Online Since: 06/22/2017

The family register of the Feldkirch student Jakob Hygel, which was established in Dillingen in 1598, was later continued at Lake Constance and in Grisons. The entries contain colored coats of arms with inscriptions in poetry and prose, some of them full-page miniatures. Between 1622 and 1645 entries were made for the Ragaz parish priest Petrus Higelius, a relative (brother?) of Jakob Hygel. Locally this family register is considered a first-rate cultural-historical showpiece (“erstrangiges kulturgeschichtliches Schaustück”) (Burmeister). (kur)

Online Since: 12/10/2020

Like Cod. Sang. 722, this manuscript contains an important, but incomplete, copy of the Lex Romana Curiensis, a private literary work in the Gallo-Franco tradition of the "breviary literature" based on the Lex Romana Visigothorum. At the end, the rhaetic sub-deacon Orsicinus signs as a copyist. (erh)

Online Since: 12/19/2011

The Liber viventium Fabariensis is likely the most important surviving work of Rhaetish book art. This manuscript was originally designed as an Evangelistary and richly adorned with initials, frames for canonical tables and full-page illustrations of the symbols of the four evangelists. Starting in 830 the names of monks who joined the monastic community were listed in the empty canonical table frames, together with living and deceased benefactors of the abbey. In addition to its function as evangelistary, memorial and record of the monastic brotherhood, the Liber viventium was later also used to preserve the historial records and treasure catalog of Pfäfers Abbey. Because of the legal importance of the Liber viventium up to modern times, the volume is housed in the archival collection of Pfäfers Abbey. (kur)

Online Since: 06/02/2010

Liber Aureus, the Golden Book of Pfäfers, was originally produced in about 1080/90 as an Evangelistary, decorated with artistic portraits of the four evangelists. The free space left between the readings was used in the 14th century for the recording of "Weistümern" (judicial sentences). (kur)

Online Since: 06/02/2010

A parchment double leaf containing a fragment of a Passion Play in German, including neumes. It can be dated to approximates the first third of the 14th century. It was likely used as a paste-down in a 14th century rebinding of the 10th/11th century Cod. Fab. XI and was cut down for this purpose, so that a portion of the text was lost. The subsequent detachment of the fragment caused an additional loss of text. (ber)

Online Since: 03/22/2012

Probably produced in Paris, this pocket Bible contains the Old Testament with 16 of Jerome’s prologues to the individual Biblical books. At least five leaves (from 1 Macc. 4: 38) have been torn out of the end. The exceptionally fine and thick parchment is of extremely high quality. The pages feature continuous red-and-blue column headings and chapter numbers. The ornamentation consists of pen-flourished and painted initials, a few of which have figurative scenes: p. 9 (Hexaemeron), p. 137 (Moses), p. 435 (David with Harp), p. 446 (David), p. 450 (fool), p. 470 (David), p. 482 (Solomon). In the Psalms, the liturgical eight-part division of the psalters is particularly emphasized through painted initials. (sno)

Online Since: 12/14/2022

A Winithar manuscript dating from the early period of the abbey of St. Gall, containing books of the Old and New Testament. (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

This manuscript in two columns contains a copy of the first eight books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Ruth) that was transcribed at the monastery of St. Gall in the 12th century. At the beginning (p. 1) and at the end (p. 254), there are, in addition to occasional pen trials and additional notes in Latin and in German, copies of two hymns with neumes (Veni redemptor gentium by Ambrose and Jesu redemptor omnium). (smu)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

This manuscript contains as its first part Isidore of Seville’s commentary on the Old Testament Books Exodus (pp. 1−44), Deuteronomy (pp. 44−53), Joshua (pp. 53−62) and Judges (pp. 62−71). These commentaries are a part of his work Mysticorum expositiones sacramentorum seu quaestiones in vetus testamentum. The second part (pp. 73−135), written in a different, more accurate hand, contains a copy of the Book of Leviticus with a more extensive interlinear commentary that was planned from the outset. Between the two parts (p. 72) is the library stamp from the abbacy of Prince-Abbot Diethelm Blarer, in use between 1553 and 1564. (smu)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

Copies of books from the Old Testament, bound together from two codices: pp. 3–105 First Chronicles and Second Chronicles (Paralipomena), 12th century; pp. 107–239 the apocryphal First Maccabees and Second Maccabees with two prologues, 11th century. The only decoration is a red initial with scroll ornamentation in the column of p. 107. (sno)

Online Since: 06/23/2016

Bible manuscript from the time of Abbot Werdo (784-812), containing books of the Old Testament. (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

Bible manuscript from the time of Hartmut, Vice-abbot ca. 850-872 and Abbot 872-883, containing books of the Old Testament (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus (smu)

Online Since: 06/12/2006

A somewhat carelessly made copy of the Old Testament book of Tobit, written around the end of the 9th century at the Abbey of St. Gall and probably used later for teaching in the school. (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

Biblical books: Tobias (pp. 2–73), Judith (pp. 74–164), Esther (pp. 165–247), Canticum Canticorum (pp. 248–261), written by several hands that show an insular influence in parts. On pp. 264–318 there is a biblical glossary that is defective in the beginning; it is ordered according to the books of the Bible (Genesis to Sirach). Among the explanations of words, which are predominately in Latin, there are also 178 Old High German glosses. Several pages (pp. 101–104) are missing pieces at the edges, which have been pasted over with older fragments in Merovingian cursive („a-b type“ from Corbie), which belong to Cod. Sang. 214. (sno)

Online Since: 06/25/2015

Copies of various Old Testament books: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach, written by a single hand during the 10th century at the Abbey of St. Gall. On the first empty page is a 16-hexameter complaint in verse by an Irish monk (Dubduin?) about his unfriendly reception at the Abbey of St. Gall. (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

A Winithar manuscript containing excerpts from books of the Old and New Testament. (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

Bible manuscript from the time of Abbots Waldo (782-784) and Werdo (784-812) containing books of the Old Testament. A more recent part containing the books of Proverbs and Job dates from the first third of the 10th century. (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

Copy of Old Testament books, primarily with Jerome’s prologues: Proverbs (pp. 5-37), Ecclesiastes (pp. 37-49), Song of Songs (pp. 49-55), Wisdom (pp. 55-78), Sirach (pp. 78-141), Job (pp. 141-180), Tobias (pp. 180-195), Judith (pp. 195-214), Esther (pp. 214-232). Contains several initials with scroll ornamentation in red ink (pp. 7, 8, 141, 143, 180, 181). (sno)

Online Since: 12/14/2018

Books of the Old Testament, dating from the first third of the 9th century, containing annotation in the hand of Notker Balbulus († 912). (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

Psalter, produced in the second half of the 9th century, possibly in northern France. Following the Psalms, which were heavily annotated with commentaries in later centuries (mainly the 14th and 15th centuries), the Psalter is followed by the Canticles as well as a fragment of a Litany of the Saints not produced at St. Gallen. The beautifully illuminated initial capital of the first Psalm (Beatus vir) on page 1 is strongly influenced by Irish models. (smu)

Online Since: 12/09/2008

A copy of the Gospel of Matthew made in St. Gall in the 9th century, together with the beginning of a copy of the Gospel of Mark. The second half contains a Greek-Latin copy of Psalms 101 through 150, Canticles in addition to prayers (Magnificat, Te Deum, Pater Noster) and a Litany of the Saints, copied at the Abbey of St. Gall between 880 and 900 from a master copy presumed to have originated in Constantinople. (smu)

Online Since: 12/23/2008

Collection of liturgical works, containing texts from the 9th to 12th centuries and an illustration of Pacificus of Verona's star clock. (smu)

Online Since: 12/31/2005

Bible manuscript from the time of Hartmut, Vice-abbot ca. 850-872 and Abbot 872-883, containing a copy of the Hebrew Psalter: one volume of the so-called "Kleine Hartmut-Bibel". (smu)

Online Since: 06/12/2006

The Wolfcoz Psalter – one of St. Gallen's earliest examples of illuminated initials of the highest quality. (smu)

Online Since: 12/31/2005

Old High German translation and commentary on the Psalms by the monk Notker the German of St. Gall, dating from around the year 1000. This 12th century copy from Einsiedeln is the only extant complete copy. (smu)

Online Since: 06/12/2006

The Golden Psalter (Psalterium aureum) of St. Gall, written and illuminated with 17 miniatures, either in the West Franconian empire (Soissons?) or in the monastery of St. Gall with the participation of West Franconian scribes and illuminators. (smu)

Online Since: 06/12/2006

The Folchart Psalter, a masterpiece of late Carolingian illumination. (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

Produced in the thirteenth century, this Psalter shows evidence of heavy use. An “instructions for use” found on the back pastedown calls for the Psalter to be left in the choir so that every sister can read it. Thus, the Psalter came from a convent of women. Since St. Catherine is particularly emphasized in the calendar, it could have belonged to the convent of Dominican women of St. Catherine in St. Gall. Decoration consists of red and blue pen-flourished initials. In addition, the liturgical eight-part division as well as the three-part division of the Psalter are highlighted with larger painted initials, which are partially adorned with silver and gold ink. Following the Psalms, starting on p. 240, are the biblical Cantica, Credo, Te Deum, Symbolum Athanasianum and a litany. A few leaves were replaced in the fifteenth and fourteenth/fifteenth century (pp. 95–98, 257–264). Two quires of a breviary in the same hand as pp. 257–264 are bound to the litany (pp. 269–288). In the same hand, an incomplete calendar (July to December) with names of the month in German precedes the Psalter (pp. 1–12). Originally the calendar probably consisted of two quires, of which only the last leaf of the first quire and the complete second quire remain. On the front pastedown is glued the bookplate of Prince-Abbot Beda Angehrn (abbot 1767-1796). (sno)

Online Since: 12/14/2022

The manuscript is defective at the beginning and at the end; the Psalter begins in Ps. 4,5. The psalms are followed on p. 203-218 by the Old Testament canticles for the Lauds (without Canticum Moysis I) and two New Testament canticles, the Benedictus and the Magnificat. The Pater noster, which follows on p. 218, breaks off in the middle of the text. This small-format Psalter is written on parchment of inferior quality. The pages are heavily worn and often damaged. (sno)

Online Since: 10/08/2020

Short Psalter from the early 14th century, produced in the now dissolved west English Abbey of Malmesbury, with calendar and All Saints Litany, illustrated with artful initials and margin borders composed of leaves, flowers, animals and human heads. Acquired by the Cloister of St. Gall since 1500 at the latest, the volume was "augmented" at this location by the addition of some recipes for medical preparations. (smu)

Online Since: 12/23/2008

A glossed psalter from the monastery ofSt. Gall, dating from the middle of the 9th century. (smu)

Online Since: 12/31/2005

Books of the Old Testament from the time of the monk and master scribe Wolfcoz (ca. 820-840) (smu)

Online Since: 09/14/2005

A composite manuscript with three parts: 1) a copy of the Song of Songs, surrounded by a learned scholarly commentary from the 12th or 13th century, possibly from the Abbey of St. Gall, 2) a copy of the letter from Prosper of Aquitaine to Rufinus regarding De gratia et libero arbitrio, the work Pro Augustino responsiones ad capitula obiectionum Gallorum calumniantium by Prosper of Aquitaine, the work Responsiones ad Dulcitium de octo quaestionibus ab eo missis by Augustine, and the pseudo-Augustinian piece Hypomnosticon contra Pelagianos (like Cologne, Dombibliothek, Codex 79), 3) an incomplete copy of Augustine's work Enchiridion de fide, spe et caritate (a guide to belief, hope and love). (smu)

Online Since: 12/21/2009

A copy of three Old Testament books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs) made in St. Gall in about 800. On page 1, used for quill tests, is the St. Gall mocking verse, famous among Germanist scholars, Liubene ersazta sine gruz unde kab sina tohter zu... (smu)

Online Since: 12/23/2008

Incomplete copy of the Aurora, a verse commentary on the Bible by Petrus Riga († 1209). This codex contains only the books of the Old Testament and breaks off in the Book of Machabees. In detail, the content includes: Praefatio Petri Rigae (pp. 3–4), Genesis (pp. 4–60), Exodus (pp. 60–106), Leviticus with prologue (pp. 107–137), Numbers with prologue (pp. 137–160), Deuteronomy (pp. 160–169), Joshua (pp. 169–180), Judges (pp. 180–191), Ruth (pp. 191–193), 1st–4th Book of Kings with prologue (pp. 193–244), Tobit (pp. 244–261), Daniel (pp. 261–285), Esther (pp. 285–294), Judith (pp. 294–300), Machabees, V. 1–234, 307–445 and 235–272 (pp. 301–313). In several places, the text contains additions that are not by Petrus Rigo; for the most part they are listed in the edition by Paul E. Beichner (Aurora. Petri Rigae Biblia versificata. A the Bible, Notre Dame 1965). Contains numerous interlinear and marginal glosses. (sno)

Online Since: 03/22/2018