15th-Century Illuminated Prayer Book, Antique Manuscripts Available at Turner Auctions + Appraisals

Avid antique books collector Holbrook T. Mitchell nursed a diverse range of interests, from opera to classic cars. Those interests were reflected in his collection of books, documents, and historical manuscripts. Turner Auctions + Appraisals will bring 85 lots from Mitchell’s collection to auction in late January. One key lot among the listings is an illuminated 15th to 16th century prayer book bound in Morocco leather. This medieval book of hours served a functional purpose for Christian laypeople. Its owner would pray the Latin verses while looking at the elaborate illustrations, which were designed to inspire devotion. The available volume includes 34 illuminated vellum leaves and gilt edges. Another illuminated manuscript on offer is a 19th-century Qur’an written in Arabic. This version has over 250 illuminated leaves. 

Beyond illuminated works, this auction presents a wide range of classic and antique books that cross the boundaries of genre. An English translation of Commentaries of Caesar is available alongside a collection of leatherbound Mark Twain novels. Of historical significance is a book personally owned by Marie Louise of Austria, Napoleon’s second wife, as well as fragments of Egyptian papyrus with black hieroglyphics. Interested collectors can learn more about this sale by visiting Auction Daily. Register to bid online on Bidsquare.