Media Contacts:
Heather Malec
Newberry Library
(312) 255-3625
malech@newberry.org
Beth Silverman
Spertus Institute
(312) 932.9950
beth@silvermangroup.com
FIRST ILLUSTRATED EDITION BY MEDIEVAL SCHOLAR FR. NICOLAUS of LYRA
CHICAGO (May 7, 2007) -- The Newberry Library and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, through an innovative and groundbreaking joint acquisition program, recently acquired a first illustrated printed edition of biblical commentary by one of most important medieval Franciscan scholars, Nicolaus of Lyra. One of only three known complete copies in libraries in the United States, this 1481 copy of Postilla super totam Bibliam helped to introduce the knowledge of the Hebrew bible into Christian theological studies.
"Nicolaus of Lyra could fairly be called the most popular exegete of the Middle Ages, and his techniques for explaining and interpreting the bible drew heavily on the commentary of Rashi, an 11th-century Jewish scholar in eastern France, and an expert on the Talmud," said Paul Saenger, Newberry Library's George A. Poole III Curator of Rare Books and Collection Development Librarian.
Added Glenn Ferdman, Spertus Institute Asher Library Director, "We're very excited to be partnering with the Newberry on the acquisition of such an important work that complements both our collections. We hope to jointly host a series of scholarly lectures to bring this important work to the public's notice."
Nicolaus of Lyra was a Franciscan Friar, born c. 1270 in the small town of Lyre, Normandy, who died in Paris in 1349. By birth he was probably a Jew and was most certainly well-versed in Hebrew. A doctor at the Sorbonne, Lyra became the French provincial governor of the Franciscan order in 1319. His penchant for literalism and implicit criticism of papal monarchy made his work particularly important to 16th-century Protestant reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin.
"Many of the illustrations and diagrams included in the book are based on those first penned by Rashi, some of which have apparently been lost in the Hebrew manuscript tradition," Saenger said. "This book is an incredibly valuable addition to both the Newberry's and Spertus's rich collections and we look forward to welcoming area scholars to study and compare its text and rare images."
About the Newberry Library's Joint Acquisition Program
Since 1995, the Newberry Library has partnered with Midwestern universities and colleges to purchase more than 25 rare medieval manuscripts and printed books that otherwise would not be available to local scholars and residents. The Newberry Library created the joint-ownership program in order to bring more original source material to the Midwest. The materials spend eight months of the year at the Newberry and up to four months of the year with the participating institution. In addition to Spertus, six other area universities and colleges have participated in the program including, The University of Notre Dame; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Western Michigan University; DePaul University; Loyola University Chicago; and University of Minnesota.
Other examples of joint acquisitions include:
- A processional from Portugal, ca. 1300 (Newberry Library and Western Michigan University);
- A 15th century code of regulations for monks attributed to Saint Jerome (Newberry Library and DePaul University);
- A bilingual English-Hebrew psalter printed in Utrecht in the 17th century (Newberry Library and Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies); and
- A Burgundian roll dating from about 1467 containing a major genealogical diagram (Newberry Library and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign).
Related Public Program
Wrestling with Rashi
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
618 S. Michigan Avenue
Sunday, August 26, 3 pm
$12 | $8 students
For reservations call 312.322.1743 or email rsvp@spertus.edu
The most popular Christian Bible commentary in late medieval and early modern Europe was Nicholas de [of] Lyra's Postilla Litteralis Super Totam Bibliam, a vast work that incorporated Jewish interpretations, especially those of Rashi, into commentary on both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
On the occasion of the Asher Library and Newberry Library's joint acquisition of a rare 1481 edition of the Postilla, historian Deeana Copeland Klepper speaks about what brought Christian scholars like Nicholas to Jewish teachings on the Bible and the challenges these scholars faced.
Illustrations (some based on drawings by Rashi) were used to differentiate interpretations. Dr. Klepper will illustrate her talk with images from lavishly illuminated copies of the text.
Deeana Copeland Klepper holds a PhD in medieval European history from Northwestern University and currently teaches about the religious culture of the Middle Ages at Boston University. She is the recipient of numerous prizes and fellowships from organizations including the American Academy in Rome and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She just completed a book, The Insight of Unbelievers, on Christian use of Hebrew Bible. Her new project is entitled Banishing Hagar: Christian Conceptualization of Jewish Expulsion and Exile in the Middle Ages.
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
The Newberry Library, a pre-eminent humanities research and reference institution, is home to a world-class collection of books, manuscripts, maps, music, and other printed materials. The Newberry offers exhibits based on its collections, musical and theatrical performances, lectures and discussions with leading humanists, seminars, and teacher programs. Visit the Newberry online at www.newberry.org to view other new acquisitions.
ABOUT THE SPERTUS INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Through its innovative public programming, exhibitions, collections, research facilities and degree programs, Spertus inspires learning, serves diverse communities and fosters understanding, for Jews and people of all faiths, locally, regionally and around the world. A new Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies facility will open just north of the present Spertus location this fall. Visit the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies online at www.spertus.edu.