The Giant Bible of Mainz Digitized by the Library of Congress

From LC:

The Giant Bible of Mainz, one of the last handwritten giant bibles in Europe, has now been digitized by the Library of Congress, ensuring online access to an important national treasure from the 15th century. The Rare Book and Special Collections Division will hold a virtual event with international scholars on Oct. 6 to present new research about the origins of one of the Library’s great treasures.

The Giant Bible is famous for having been copied by a single scribe, who precisely dated his progress between April 4, 1452, and July 9, 1453. These dates are remarkable because they place the creation of this manuscript bible in proximity to the first printed bible crafted in Europe, the Gutenberg Bible.

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In its digital form, the Giant Bible of Mainz can now be accessed by people across the globe and will be preserved for future generations. In keeping with Rosenwald’s commitment to encouraging broad cultural engagement with the history of the illustrated book, these images allow anyone interested in medieval manuscripts to encounter each page of this singular codex.

“Digitization is an important part of equitable access to early materials, and we are excited that new voices will have an opportunity to become part of the future of the Giant Bible at the Library of Congress,” said Marianna Stell, reference librarian in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

Learn More, Read the Complete Announcement

Direct to Digitized Bible

See Also: A Fragmented History in the Giant Bible of Mainz (via In the Muse Blog)

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