The Rare Black Book of Hours

Sep 22, 2025

Black Book of Hours or “Horae beatae marie secundum usum curie romane,” circa 1458, from Spain. Illuminated manuscript on parchment. Hispanic Society Museum & Library, New York City. (Public Domain)

The Rare Black Book of Hours

BY MICHELLE PLASTRIK

In the entire world, there are only seven known “black books”—visually dramatic medieval illuminated manuscripts on vellum either stained or painted black. The existing examples date to the latter half of the 15th century. Additionally, all are a specific type of Christian volume known as a book of hours, an abbreviated collection of daily prayers or offices made for lay people.

Share Read more

Do you have feedback for our stories?
You can tell us what you think by replying to this email.

FOOD

This Fluffy, Oven-Baked Pancake Is so Good, I Make It Every Weekend

Read the article →

HOME

How to Reduce Microplastics in the Bathroom

Read the article →

TRAVEL

Five Perfect Weekend Trips to Take This Fall

Read the article →

SPONSORED BY GAN JING WORLD

[LIMITED-TIME FREE] 13-Year-Old Angler Catches 178.9lb Giant Fish, Weighing More Than Him!

Learn more →

EPOCH BUY

The Hidden Truth About Traditional Teeth Whitening

Read the article →

🌾 Tradition: Alexander Hamilton US Custom House — New York’s colossal landmark: Originally called the New York Custom House, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House was renamed in 1990 to pay tribute to the Founding Father.

📚 Book Review: “Rear Window” — a view to a Hitchcock classic: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” is among the master filmmaker’s most entertaining thrillers, and its journey from concept to classic is the focus of Jennifer O’Callaghan’s wonderfully insightful new book.

🖼️ Creative Wonders: PHOTOS—See the best of the ocean’s breathtaking beautyfrom the winners of “Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023.”

💪 People: 11-year-old breaks world scuba diving record, can swim alongside tiger sharks and giant manta rays.

Tennessee’s Sgt. Alvin York: The famous World War I hero worked to improve the lives in his beloved state, especially the education of its rural residents. Read more →

The health information in this newsletter is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of many experts and journalists. The Epoch Times encourages you to make your own healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

When sharing an article, giftaccess@TheEpochTimes.com is added to the list of recipients. If your friend is not already a subscriber, we will send them a special link for free access to the article. Manage your email preferences here.

The Epoch Times, 229 W 28th St, Fl.5, New York, NY 10001 | Contact Us

Baku’s big stories: Verstappen flies, Sainz on the Podium & Piastri’s heartbreak

links.investorwatchlists.com

RJ Hamster

The Rare Black Book of Hours

The Rare Black Book of Hours

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles