Illuminated liturgical manuscript in Latin

France, first half of the 15th century.]. Single column, 21 lines of text, written in black and red in a beautiful gothic book hand. Illuminated initial in gold, red, blue, green and white; ruled in red, rubrics in red an numerous initials in red and blue. Contemporary blind-stamped calf over wooden boards, raised bands, two brass fore-edge clasps (missing). A very beautiful manuscript from the library of antiquary William Henry Blacking and of George Dunn of Woolley Hall near Maidenhead (with their 2 bookplates with coat of arms on paste down). A very attractive collection of sermons and homilies preserved in its original panel-stamped binding with tools. Presumably the personal pocket manuscript of a preacher, presbyter Johannes Venuto. Venuto is an Italian, originally Tuscan name. The note on the front flyleaf is an invocation to the Lord for having the sins forgiven and removed. The big initial was clearly drawn later as it covers the original text. Originally it is assumed that a calendar occupied the first 77 pages and that calendar has been removed.

George Dunn (1865-1912), of Woolley Hall near Maidenhead, Berkshire, was an English bibliophile and keen student of paleography and early printing. Throughout his life he built up an impressive library at Woolley Hall, collecting early English law books, medieval manuscripts early printed books (including volumes from unusual towns and presses). After his death in 1912 his library was broken up and sold off at Sotheby's between 1913 and 1917, realising over £30,000.