Livre des merveilles du monde facsimile, 1410/1412

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

MSS 16558, Livre des merveilles du monde facsimile, Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
.4 Cubic Feet 1 letter document box
Creator:
University of Virginia Bookstore and Polo , Marco, 1254-1323?
Language:
French, Middle (ca.1400-1600)
Preferred citation:

MSS 16558, Livre des merveilles du monde facsimile, Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a print on demand facsimile of Livre des merveilles du monde (BNF FR2810)based on the Marco Polo - The Book of Wonders. This one-of-a-kind reproduction is the only numbered large size format Book of Wonders in genuine calf skin leather." (with certificate of authenticity).It is an illuminated manuscript made in France between 1410 to 1412 containing several texts regarding commercial, religious, and diplomatic contact between Europe and Asia. The authors of these texts include Marco Polo, Odoric of Pordenone, Wilhelm von Boldensele, Uzbeg, Benedict XII, John Mandeville, Hayton of Corycus, Riccoldo da Monte di Croce, and others. It contains 297 folios, and 265 miniatures produced by several Parisian workshops, thought to be those of Boucicaut Master, the Bedford Master and the Mazarine Master.

The manuscript contains 297 folios and 265 miniatures. The original was owned by prominent French figures and families including John, the fearless, and John, Duke of Berry, the Armagnac family, Charles de Valois (Duke of Angouleme) and possibly King Francis I of France, and the Librairie Royale de Fontainebleau. The original currently resides at the Biblotheque Nationale de France.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased from The University of Virginia Bookstore by the Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia on August 23, 2021.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard