A rare example of Italy’s manuscript tradition has reached the United States, highlighting the enduring relevance of ancient bookmaking techniques. A handcrafted facsimile of the medieval Book of Hours known as MS 198, originally preserved at the Guarneriana Library in San Daniele del Friuli, was officially donated to the Library of Congress in Washington on April 29, 2026.
The volume was produced by the Fondazione Scriptorium Foroiuliense, an institution founded in 2012 to preserve and teach the art of calligraphy and traditional bookmaking. The reproduction was created entirely by hand, following historical methods used by medieval scribes, including manual writing, illumination, and binding. The result is a faithful copy of a devotional manuscript that dates back centuries and reflects the cultural and religious life of its time.
The donation took place during a broader North American cultural mission that included stops in Canada and the United States between April 28 and April 29. During the trip, the foundation also delivered a handcrafted reproduction of the Gutenberg Bible to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, reinforcing its role in promoting Italian heritage abroad.
At the Library of Congress, the Book of Hours has been placed in a prominent section dedicated to rare works, including collections linked to Thomas Jefferson. This placement underscores the historical and symbolic value of the manuscript, now serving as a cultural ambassador for Friuli Venezia Giulia and Italy as a whole.
The project reflects a broader effort to reconnect contemporary audiences with pre-printing traditions. Before the invention of movable type in the 15th century, manuscripts were produced by teams of scribes who could copy up to 30 pages per day under carefully controlled conditions. Today, initiatives like those of the Scriptorium aim to revive these techniques, combining historical accuracy with modern educational outreach.
By bringing a fully handcrafted manuscript into one of the most important cultural institutions in the U.S., the initiative emphasizes the continued relevance of analog craftsmanship in a digital age. The Book of Hours is not only a reproduction but also a tangible link between past and present, demonstrating how a tradition that predates printing by centuries can still resonate in 2026.
