Utrecht Network Summer School 2014

University of Graz, Austria

HIDDEN LIBRARIES

Making Historical Libraries Accessible

Liber vinearum

(description of a rare book)

By Alzbeta VICIANOVA

Masaryk University, Czech Republic

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Content

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1

“Hiddenness” and “Hidden” ................................................................................................................ 2

Physical hiddenness ......................................................................................................................... 2

Liber vinearum ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Hidden structure of the book ............................................................................................................... 3

External aspects of hiddenness ........................................................................................................... 3

Hidden by used materials ................................................................................................................ 4

Hidden by used techniques .............................................................................................................. 5

Hidden by its condition ................................................................................................................... 6

Hidden by structure of notes............................................................................................................ 7

Hidden seals .................................................................................................................................... 8

Internal aspects of hiddenness ............................................................................................................ 9

Hidden by language ......................................................................................................................... 9

Hidden by script .............................................................................................................................. 9

Hidden by linguistics ..................................................................................................................... 10

Hiddenness by content ...................................................................................................................... 10

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 11

References ............................................................................................................................................ 12

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Introduction

The aim of this final paper is to describe a rare book and some of its hidden structures presented by

various aspects, on the example of a book called “Liber vinearum”. It demonstrates external aspects of

hiddenness by (codicological) description of materials and techniques used to make a book, its

condition and structure of notes; and internal aspects of hiddenness by palaeological and linguistic

description as well as hiddenness by content with socio-cultural context of the document.

“Hiddenness” and “Hidden”

It is necessary to define what does it mean “hiddenness” and “hidden” to describe the hidden structure

of an object. It is possible to find a lot of definitions of these words at online Thesaurus but none of

them is covering the meaning in its fullness. The noun hiddenness by yourdictionary is “1.

(uncountable) The state, property or quality of being hidden. 2. (countable) The result or product of

being hidden.“[1].

But what does it mean to be “hidden”? Thefreedictionary by Farlex explains this adjective from

different points of view as “1. hidden - not accessible to view; concealed, out of sight; invisible,

unseeable - impossible or nearly impossible to see; 2. hidden - designed to elude detection; secret;

concealed - hidden on any grounds for any motive; 3. hidden - difficult to find”[2].

The second definition is fairly general and applicable to the topic of books and libraries. As we

learned during the summer school hiddenness in a library or in an object covers several aspects which

change from book to book. The description of these hidden aspects could partially vary depending on

philosophical approach.

Physical hiddenness

If we speak about hiddenness of rare and unique materials undoubtedly the first step is location of the

object. Even if we know the object exists, sometimes it is very complicated to find the exact place of

reposition. The border between objects holding in archives, libraries and museum is very vague,

especially if we speak about books (printed or manuscripts). It is important to create clear online

catalogues of collections to make the information accessible also for readers from far.

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Liber vinearum

The described book is a hand-written book called, originally in Latin, “Liber vinearum” which in

English means The Book of Vineyards. It contains texts and notes concerning various vineyards held

by Znojmo Jesuits. It is stored in Moravian Regional Archive in Brno (originally called Moravský

Zemský Archiv v Brně) in the fond E 33: Znojmo Jesuits 1243-1773 [3]. The book it is dated between

the years 1629 and 1771 which means it is probably a unique book of its kind in the Znojmo area.

Figure 1. Front cover of the book “Liber vinearum” and its condition.

Hidden structure of the book

The book “Liber vinearum” is not a typical manuscript in the proper sense [4, p. 279]; it is rather like a

hand-written notebook with interesting history. It has been possible to uncover several hidden

structures and aspects of the book thanks to a book analysis and description. These aspects are sorted

as external or internal aspects of hiddenness, and by content.

External aspects of hiddenness

The external aspects of hiddenness are easy to find with the first sight on the object. Nevertheless,

many questions about materials and techniques used, proveniences and book history stay hidden and it

is necessary to do basic analysis of the book and use relevant literature for this topic. All these aspects

allow understanding of the processes occurred during last centuries; and a description of condition

(original and actual) may uncover the quality of storage during the years.

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Hidden by used materials

The book is composed from various materials. Some of them are evident as materials used for text

block and binding, and others are concealed as used boards. In the 17th century it was very popular to

use relatively cheap materials for most of documents because of its availability [6, p. 70]. The material

of the text block is paper of very good quality, and the first and last leaves of the text block were used

for pastedowns. For binding a mixture of thread and adhesives was used (saturation of adhesives

visible at both pastedowns on Figure 8.).

Wooden boards (unknown quality) which, in size, are similar to the text block were covered into old

parchment of central European type (treat from both sides of the skin) [6, pp. 68, 82]. The parchment

was considered less valuable and suitable for protecting the boards by the producer. From outer

margins of front and back boards double leather laces allowing full closure of the book.

Hidden by writing materials

Writing material, in palaeographic meaning, is the material of the text block (the paper) but also the

writing tool. In the 17th and 18

th century it was common in Church scriptoriums to use a quill for

writing; most often a goose quill and an ink prepared by clerks themselves with their own recipes

based on organic sources [6, p. 73]. The most popular ink was oak gall ink, called also iron gall ink [9,

p. 4], used mainly due to its good quality, permanence and water resistant nature. This organometallic

mixture (based on oak gall extract, iron sulphates, Arabic gum and an organic liquid) split pigments in

the solution which determinate the quality of the ink in the hue, lightness and saturation. Degradation

of the ink may be affected by fluctuation and level changes of environmental and biologic factors of

storage, and the composition of the mixture may accelerate degradation of the ink and reduce legibility

of the text. High relative humidity may cause corrosion of this mixture due to creation of acids, as

brown colouring of the ink[10, pp. 6-8].

Figure 2. Diversity in ink hue. Detail of brown colouring of ink probably caused by high content of iron the ink.

Figure 3. Back cover of the book and its condition; visible red and blue coloured ink.

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The parchment covering boards contain various types of ink; black ink and rest of colour inks, mostly

visible at the back cover (Figure 3.). The red and blue inks were used to decorate and highlight the

initials. The text is slightly visible; and dirt at the boards and the fading of the ink prevent the text

from being fully legible. Its reconstruction might be possible in cooperation with a specialist in

medieval palaeography or Latin manuscripts but for common reader the text stays unidentified.

Hidden by used techniques

By describing the techniques used in book-making it is possible to find some specifics which are

hidden for common reader. Quires of paper were folded once with grain [7, p. 78] and created five

similar sections. It means these five sections proceed to form the original text block. The boards were

covered into old parchment with turn-in at pasteboard and there are leather laces used for closing of

the book what provides rigid support for the text block. Mixed binding used thread and adhesives;

sewing hold the sections of leaves together and kept the pages aligned, and the adhesive merge the

boards and pastedowns together. The flexible binding allowed opening of the book to 180° without the

book being damaged. The cheap alternative of covering into old parchment still offers good protection

to the text block [8].

The book as an object includes also leaves added to the book additionally by additional sewing of the

others sections of leaves (Figure 4.), sticking or inserting loose leaves of papers. The used techniques

are not visible the first moment and researcher needs time to analyse the binding. It is possible to

define the order of editions thanks to several factors, as differences in colour of threats used for biding,

irregular numbering or pages, the black dust on the top edges of part of leaves, and so on.

Figure 4. Detail of additional sewing of new quires to the original text block.

Hidden by paper characteristics

Some of the characteristics of the paper are hidden and it is not possible to recognize it without basic

observation. The paper is apparently of good quality and when using the light source it is possible to

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recognize various types of marks on the sheets left by mold during the paper production. The mold is

formed by individual brass or copper wires fixed onto a rectangular wooden frame whose translucence

depends on their position or thickness of the paper [10, p. 14]. There are slightly visible and very

closely spaced laid lines and widely spaced lines (perpendicular at them and parallel with the grain)

called chain lines. Moreover almost each sheet of paper contain a watermark which means a design

made by a wire pattern additionally attached to the mold creating lighter areas due to reduced

thickness of the sheet of paper [7, pp. 76-78]. Each watermark is a unique mark which presents origin

or certain feature of the paper, mostly represent the paper manufacture according to which it is

possible to determine provenience of each paper sheet, its manufacturer, date and location [11, pp.

109-116]. After the study of watermarks in the book it is possible to recognize at least eleven different

watermarks with varied iconographic design of diverse sizes, positions on the sheet of paper and

relation to the chain lines. Next pictures show examples of watermarks by holding the folios against

light source:

Figure 5. Watermark of circuit design with axe overlying on a central chair line and upright attached to three

chain lines (the most common type).

Figure 6. Watermark of oval design with animal theme and strong Baroque lining and decorations; axe is

overlying between chair lines and is upright attached to 4 chain lines.

Hidden by its condition

The book is made of organic materials as paper, parchment and wood which are naturally hygroscopic

and sensitive to externals factors. Physical and chemical degradation of these materials might be

caused by environmental factors, as fluctuation in temperature and relative humidity, level of oxygen,

light, dirt and other pollutants, but also often use or improper shelving and handling of the book. The

book became more and more fragile and actual condition of the bookbinding and cover surfaces

(Figures 1. and 3.) could cause further damage when using this source.

The covers contain several cracks and holes in the boards and parchment, tenacious liquid marks,

discolorations, and dust layer over the whole surface. The origin of the damage is hidden for

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researcher and only a specialist in work with these materials (conservators) may determinate its

process or producers. The organic materials might be very attractive for moulds and rot or bacteria,

and their germination could be faster under wrong environmental conditions [10, pp. 19-22,39-40].

The binding still hold tightly the text block together but the structure is broken because of partially

broken joints and the spine divided to five similar parts by the main sewing. The pastedown of the

front board and the text block are torn off, and hinge forms a gap. The same gas is also visible in the

half of the book. The fragility of the parchment causes peeling of small pieces in the stressed parts,

mostly from the headbands and spine. It is possible to find numerous damage also on the text block

including wet black dust on the edges of paper of missing part of few pages. The last two leaves of the

original text block were torn with grain (Figure 8.) and a part of a leaf cut and replaced by another

piece of paper of similar quality in other time (Figure 7.). The true reason for this removal and its

today's location will probably be hidden for ever. [9]

Figure 7. Condition of the book in the half; there are stains from black ink, gap in hinge and replaced part of the

page at the top right corner.

Figure 8. Residues of tearing of the last two leaves from the original text block. At the picture is visible also

saturation of adhesives used for binding and damage of the back board which might be caused by pests.

Hidden by structure of notes

The book in the beginning was to be used for future notes about vineyards and pages were designed to

this model. On several pages of the book there are tables and margins visible (Figure 7.) probably

made before the notes for systematic writing and better orientation in texts, which demonstrate pages

without notes. However, some notes are asymmetric and generally not neat; and this template has not

been respected.

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Hidden by numbering of pages

The book uses two different forms of numbering of pages. The first one is the original numbering at

upper outer corner by pagination (numbered both sides of leaf) in black ink. This numbering covers

leaves originally bound and starts on the 3rd

page only; that means it does not cover each page of the

book. The second one is numbering by The Moravian Regional Archive which numbered, by the

tradition, each physical leaf in the book using folios, numbered just front side of leaf, the recto side [6,

p. 85]. Each folio has two sides, the recto side (fr) “the front of a leaf or document, or the right-hand

page of an open book” [7, p. 202] and the verso side (fv) “the back of a document or page, or the left-

hand page of an open book” [7, p. 203]. (Both on Figure 7.)

Hidden seals

When browsing the book it is possible to find two seals added on acta documents (conferring rights

and privileges) which contain seals as personal identification and verification of documents. Both of

the seals are visible of oval design impressed in red resinous sealing wax (to find out the exact

composition of the wax is necessary to do detailed chemical analysis). Two pieces of the original

paper were impressed on the seals probably to provide their protection and to prevent any other

degradation. Besides possible partial degradation caused by environmental and biologic factors avoid

to other physical and mechanical degradations as abruption, creases and scratches of the seals or

documents [10, pp. 63-65]. At the seal it is possible to recognize a mar - year or letters - but its

meaning stay hidden.

Figure 9. Detail to the impress of the first seal shows the Moravian eagle as the symbol of Znojmo city using

up to this day. On smaller picture original red wax under the added paper is visible.

After studying relevant literature it is possible to identify the symbol of Moravian eagle at the first

seal, with lateral initials “Z” and “C” (probably initials of Znojmo Office, Latin words “Znoymensi

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Cancelaria”) and the year 1624 which is the year of Jesuits's arrival to Znojmo (Figure 9.). The second

seal retain a face with hagiographic emblem (church theme) on striped surface surrounded by legend

around the perimeter. The text of the legend has been preserved illegible and the owner has been not

identified at this level [4, pp. 327-328].

Internal aspects of hiddenness

The internal description of the book briefly discusses function and conditions of its creation;

languages, scripts (without palaeographical analysis of characters/qualities of individual scripts) and

linguistics. All this information may open the access to historical source for researchers in history or

philology without necessary knowledge of Latin and German or ability to read writing from Modern

Times.

Hidden by language

All around the world, in Roman Catholic Church background, Latin has been the universal and most

common language to write liturgical texts in as well as all clerical administrative and paperwork.

Therefore most of the texts and notes of the book are written in Latin even though German was the

main language used in the South Moravian area in the 17th and 18

th century. [4, pp. 202, 261-263].

Further texts were written in German and few notes in Old Czech Language. Today all these languages

can be hidden for readers or be difficult to translate. Even though modern technologies helps us to

work with foreign language there is another problem with reading the text of the book – script.

Hidden by script

From the 16th century onward a habit has been established in the Central European area to use

humanistic script for Latin evidence and neo-gothic script for German ones. That means monastic

scribes had to be familiar with both main types of writing what caused mixing of these script

characters in many cases [4, pp. 59, 74], especially when using data formulas, liturgical phrases and

collocations. Since most of the notes are in Latin, the predominant script is the humanistic semi-

cursive script. Most of the notes from 18th century had been made in German in German neo-gothic

cursive script, also known as Kurrent, and in a small extent the oldest text in Old Czech Language in

Czech neo-gothic semi-cursive script. The book theme exclude random Latin liturgical text written in

gothic minuscule probably from the half of the 14th century situated on old parchment covering the

book. The scripts or their mixture can cause problems with interpretation of text and the proper

meaning might stay hidden. Two examples of mixing languages and scripts are on next pictures:

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Figure 10. Latin (and a German) formulas and collocations written in humanistic script located in German text

written in Kurrent.

Figure 11. German data formulas and collocations written in humanistic script with Kurrent characters located

in Latin text written (mostly) in humanistic script.

Hidden by linguistics

Another hidden aspect which does not allow full understanding of the text is linguistics and might be

caused by orthography, morphology or various abbreviations or ligatures in Latin and German. The

book includes large number of abbreviations of different types, as suspensions, contractions, marks

with independent and relative meaning, nested letters or conventions (non-alphabetic), which scribes

used for saving time and space [4, pp. 32-33]. Although the reader understand language and script,

some of abbreviations may cause problem due to its archaic form, especially with weights and

measures.

Hiddenness by content

The notes had been done to the book in various important periods in almost 150 years. The viticulture

in Christian territories has a long tradition because of liturgical, as well as political, power and

economic reasons. Catholic friars started to cultivate plants of grape close to monasteries, and in

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sequences became one of the main financial profits for the church and feudalists thanks to Wine law

covering all legislation concern wine production and collection of wine taxes and fees. [5, p. 35]

Without the ability to read full text it is not possible to recognize differed stages of social and

historical events. First stage concerns the planting of new vineyards at Znojmo area, next important

stage concerns The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) causing decline in wine cultivation due to

population decline and pauperism in this area. The last big stage includes all notes from the ends of the

17th century when consequences of the War had been gone and a new period of the successful

viticulture had begun. Znojmo Jesuits gained new properties and lands after the War which extended

power of the friary in this region [5, pp. 46-48].

The text of the book uncover all hidden aspect of history: hidden people in lists of servants in different

years or relations between lords, servants and church; hidden locations and exact areas and positions

of villages (also extinct); hidden vineyards with descriptions of individual vineyards and habits in

wine production with descriptions of grape planting, grape vintage and winemaking, as well as

economic side of wine making including collections of taxes and contributions, changes in monetary

system, salaries of servants and cultivators, national and international wine trade, and so on.

Conclusion

It is possible to find various hidden aspects in each library or object, and may have different forms

which can be uncovered at different levels or with special skills or literature. This paper showed a few

aspects of hidden structure of the book “Liber vinearum” from external, internal and contextual

viewpoint.

How do we make hiddenness accessible? It is almost impossible to make each object accessible for

each reader. Yet, specialists from various fields connected to historical libraries may partially uncover

the hidden aspects. What helps a great deal today are online catalogues and databases with sufficient

description which might show readers the most important topics and characters of the object and

support their research. We can also help decipher and interpret the text which may be very useful for

potential researchers without special palaeographical and linguistic skills or language knowledge

needed for contextual analysis of the texts.

Each object is a complex source and can become a valuable evidence of social relations and situation

in different important historical periods. Let’s do it!

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References

[1] YOUR DICTIONARY http://www.yourdictionary.com/hiddenness (accessed 3rd September 2014)

[2] THE FREE DICTIONATY http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hidden (accessed 1st September

2014)

[3] Moravian Regional Archive, fond E33, sign. A47.

[4] I.Hlaváček, J. Kašpar and R. Nový, Vademecum pomocných věd historických, Praha: Jinočany,

1993.

[5] V. Kraus, Historický vývoj českého a moravského vinohradnictví a vinařství, in: V. Kraus et al;

Réva a víno v Čechách a na Moravě: tradice a současnost, Praha: Raxid, 1999, pp. 32-55.

[6] I. Hlaváček, Rukopis, jeho vznik, popis a uplatnení, in: I. Hlaváček, Úvod do latinské kodikologie,

Praha: Státní pegadogické nakladatelství, 1978, pp. 65-92.

[7] N. Ballofet, J. Hille and J.A. Read, Preservation and Conservation for Libraries and Archives,

Chicago: American Library Association, 2005.

[8] D. Pearson, J. Mumford and A. Walker, Bookbinings, The British Library: Preservation Advisory

Centre, 2010.

[9] C. Bendix, Damaged books, The British Library: Preservation Advisory Centre, 2010.

[10] V. Viñas and R. Viñas, Las técnicas tradicionales de restauración: un studio RAMP, Paris,

UNESCO, 1988; http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0008/000827/082732so.pdf (accessed 1st June

2006)

[11] M. Flodr, Filigranologie. Úvod do studia filigránů, Brno: Universita J. E. Purkyně, 1974, pp.

109-116.