Dr. Eric White, Scheide Librarian and Assistant University Librarian for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts at Princeton University, will relate the history and art of the Gutenberg Bible at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens beginning with the beautiful black-ink printing on fine vellum in Mainz circa 1455.
The Gutenberg Bible at The Huntington is one of approximately 175 copies produced by Johann Gutenberg between 1397 and 1468, considered the first substantial book printed in Europe. Only 48 of them survive today, including 12 on prepared animal skin known as vellum, such as the one at The Huntington. The book’s large format suggests that it was intended for institutional rather than personal use, and that it belonged to a wealthy monastery or church.
In a free virtual lecture on Wednesday, May 19, hosted by The Huntington, White will also trace the rediscovery of the volumes two centuries ago and their long journey through various private collections prior to their arrival at the Huntington Library.
White became Curator of Rare Books at Princeton University Library in 2015 after 18 years as Curator of Special Collections at Southern Methodist University’s Bridwell Library. A specialist in early European printing, he has published numerous articles and exhibition catalogues on rare books.
On July 12, 2018, Dr. White won the DeLong Book History Prize from the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing (SHARP) for his most recent book, “Editio princeps: A History of the Gutenberg Bible,” from Harvey Miller Publishers.
Wednesday’s event, starting at 4 p.m., is part of the Zeidberg Lecture in the History of the Book series. The event will be held online via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to attendees in their registration confirmation email.
To reserve your space, visit https://tickets.huntington.org/events/2b3a58f4-f0ab-fd3e-1990-0da5ae43d78a.
For more information, call (626) 405-2100.
