The Bible of Tours (Ashburnham Pentateuch)

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he history of the Spanish Book and its origin must begin with the oldest references we have to it. The destruction that took place during the first centuries of our era, which culminated in the Moslem invasion, allows us only to catch a glimpse of what could be the miniature in its infancy, as although some texts survive they lack illustrations. However, there is one notable exception: the famous and splendid Bible of Tours, the object of various studies and commentaries. The Spanish origin can be seen in its text, as it is clearly linked to other Bibles of an undoubtedly Hispanic character. The illustrations served as a model for the iconographic style of the Beatus of Liébana.

Characteristics:

• Also known under the names of the Pentateuch of Tours and Ashbumham as the Lord of that name purchased it from the man who removed it from the Church of Saint-Gatien in Tours.
• It contains 60 splendid all colour miniatures.
• 300 Parchment pages of 300x400 mm.
• The most important manuscript in Western Europe

A Documentation Kit containing 1 sample page, in the original size, from The Bible of Tours is available for $US75-.

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