15 July 2011
Well, sort of. They already have it on long-term loan from Durham Cathedral, which is the owner. If you’ve got a couple million pounds to spare, you can help the British Library complete the acquisition.
The book is St. Cuthbert’s gospel, a late-seventh century copy of the Gospel of St. John in Latin. It’s believed to be the oldest European book that survives intact. Cuthbert, the bishop of Lindisfarne, is an enormously important figure in early English history.
The British Library press release and accompanying materials are a good example of how to produce a good press kit. Click on the video link to see the inside of the book.
Hat tip to the Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts Blog
