[Hribeglias (?), Gregory]. Benedictina 1V Oct. Nov. Dec. by MANUSCRIPT HYMN BOOK - 0

Manuscript. Fine.. 8vo. The fourth manuscript volume of a set of Benedictine hymn books relative to saints primarily in the Western European church, with emphasis on Germany and Britain. The text incorporates hymns for every portion of a saint's day and mainly in rhyme with short, occasional passages of prose. The rhymes are mediaeval or Renaissance, and perhaps by the actual person whose name is given on the spine of the book. The scribe (whether or not the author) writes in a small beautiful hand, perhaps of the seventeenth century. The author is aware of the famous papal prophecies of Malachi, bishop of Armagh, first published in the 1590s and perhaps written about that time, so the text is probably datable to no earlier than the 17th century - though Malachi's prophecies may have been current in manuscript before that. There is no inclusion of Saint Pius V (1504-1572), a powerful figure and great friend to the Catholics of Spain and Holland amongst others. No musical scores are present. One would naturally think the volumes were originally for use in a Benedictine monastery or abbey. Black morocco over wooden boards, with the remains of clasps, Ms label on the spine, marbled endpapers, all page edges in gilt.