National Library of Scotland buys Scotland's first printed books for the nation

National Library of Scotland has announced that it has bought two of Scotland's first printed books - The Aberdeen Breviary and the Compassio Beate Marie (pictured left), two of the first works to be printed in Scotland, over 500 years ago.

The Aberdeen Breviary, so-called because it was commissioned by the Bishop of Aberdeen, contains services and readings for use in Scottish churches. It was the first printed service book to chronicle the lives of the Scottish saints and is thought to have been compiled by the best Scottish historians of the day. Printed in 1509-1510, it was the reason for James IV granting a licence for printing to begin in Scotland.

Bound at the back of the Breviary is a small 16-page book called the 'Compassio Beate Marie'. The 'Compassio' contains orders of service and readings about the arrival of St Andrew's relics into Scotland. It is the only known copy in existence and was printed between 1510 and 1532, providing clear evidence that Scots continued to print their own books after producing the Breviary.

The last time such a unique example of early Scottish printing was added to the collection at the National Library was more than 200 years ago.

The two-volume Breviary has been in the Earl of Strathmore's library at Glamis Castle in Angus for many years. The Glamis Breviary was the only remaining copy in private hands and was offered to the National Library by Christie's, acting on behalf of the Trustees of the Strathmore Estates.

There are three other surviving sets of the Aberdeen Breviary, including one in the National Library's collections. None of the copies is identical and the Glamis copy is considered by some scholars to be the best surviving example. It also contains contemporary annotations, including a set of verses and music. It was printed by Walter Chepman, who owned Scotland's first printing press.

SHEDDING NEW LIGHT

Dr John Scally, Scotland's national librarian, said: 'This is a very significant addition to our collection. Each surviving copy of the Aberdeen Breviary makes an important contribution to our understanding of how Scotland's first books were printed.

'As is often the case with the first products of a printing press, the work was still somewhat experimental and many corrections were made during the printing process. The Aberdeen Breviary is the only work which allows comparisons to be made, shedding new light on Scotland's first experience with printing.'

The Library has already digitised both the Breviary and the 'Compassio', which are available through its website for everyone to see. A programme of public engagement to explore the flourishing culture of Renaissance Scotland is also being planned, based around the story of the books.

They are written in Latin and, although partial translations exist, there has never been a full translation or scholarly edition of the text of the Aberdeen Breviary. The Library plans to work with academic partners to create a scholarly edition of the text and a modern translation.

For more on the work of National Libary of Scotland, visit the website.



Images copyright National Library of Scotland.