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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Scotland's oldest book on display | Scotland's oldest book on display |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The oldest book in Scotland is going on public display for the first time in its history. | The oldest book in Scotland is going on public display for the first time in its history. |
| The Celtic Psalter dates from the 11th Century and contains hand-written psalms in Latin, with Celtic and Pictish illustrations. | The Celtic Psalter dates from the 11th Century and contains hand-written psalms in Latin, with Celtic and Pictish illustrations. |
| It has been kept under lock and key at the University of Edinburgh and has been available to only a few scholars. | It has been kept under lock and key at the University of Edinburgh and has been available to only a few scholars. |
| But for the next three months the public will have the chance to view the book at the university's library. | But for the next three months the public will have the chance to view the book at the university's library. |
| The psalter, which is thought to be almost 1,000 years old, has been described as Scotland's version of the famous Book of Kells in Dublin. | The psalter, which is thought to be almost 1,000 years old, has been described as Scotland's version of the famous Book of Kells in Dublin. |
| It contains a handwritten copy of the Psalms of King David in Latin, and has ornate pictures of dragons and beasts. | It contains a handwritten copy of the Psalms of King David in Latin, and has ornate pictures of dragons and beasts. |
| Edinburgh University's rare book librarian Joseph Marshall said: "People have been reluctant to show it, but now we have a special display case, and really this is the book's first public outing in 1,000 years." | Edinburgh University's rare book librarian Joseph Marshall said: "People have been reluctant to show it, but now we have a special display case, and really this is the book's first public outing in 1,000 years." |
| The origin of the psalter is a mystery but experts believe it was probably produced by monks in Iona, who were also associated with the making of the Book of Kells. | The origin of the psalter is a mystery but experts believe it was probably produced by monks in Iona, who were also associated with the making of the Book of Kells. |
| It's as beautiful today as it was when it was first written Joseph MarshallEdinburgh University | It's as beautiful today as it was when it was first written Joseph MarshallEdinburgh University |
| It is thought that the pocket-sized book was donated to Edinburgh University's library around the 17th century, but it has only been available to students of medieval manuscripts. | It is thought that the pocket-sized book was donated to Edinburgh University's library around the 17th century, but it has only been available to students of medieval manuscripts. |
| It is still in pristine condition because it has been kept out of public view for so long. | It is still in pristine condition because it has been kept out of public view for so long. |
| Although the original binding has been lost, the script is bold and clear and the red, green, purple and gold in the illustrations are still vivid. | Although the original binding has been lost, the script is bold and clear and the red, green, purple and gold in the illustrations are still vivid. |
| Mr Marshall said: "It is a riot of colour. You would think someone had gone over it with a felt-tip pen." | Mr Marshall said: "It is a riot of colour. You would think someone had gone over it with a felt-tip pen." |
| He added that he thought the book was probably commissioned by a figure of importance, such as St Margaret, Queen of Scotland. | He added that he thought the book was probably commissioned by a figure of importance, such as St Margaret, Queen of Scotland. |
| Mr Marshall said:"Someone has gone to town to make it look beautiful and it's as beautiful today as it was when it was first written." | Mr Marshall said:"Someone has gone to town to make it look beautiful and it's as beautiful today as it was when it was first written." |
| The psalter is part of a display which marks the refurbishment of the university library's exhibition room. | The psalter is part of a display which marks the refurbishment of the university library's exhibition room. |
| "Masterpieces 1" also includes Scotland's only copy of the first book printed in any of the Gaelic languages. | "Masterpieces 1" also includes Scotland's only copy of the first book printed in any of the Gaelic languages. |
| Also on display is the finest surviving copy of Scotland's first substantial printed book, the Aberdeen Breviary which dates back to 1509. | Also on display is the finest surviving copy of Scotland's first substantial printed book, the Aberdeen Breviary which dates back to 1509. |
| There is also a copy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet published during the playwright's lifetime. | There is also a copy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet published during the playwright's lifetime. |
| The exhibition opens on Friday and lasts until 14 March. |