From Venice to Lima: The Journey of a Fortune-Telling Book
A witness to the history of the National Library of Peru
Palmistry treatise written in Latin (1499) by AnonymousNational Library of Peru
An historical gem
The Opus pulcherrimuz chiromantie cum multis additiôbus noviter impressuz is a book of palmistry - a treatise on how to read the future in the lines of the hands - that was printed in 1499 in Venice by Bernardinum Benalius.
A beautiful work of palmistry, page 13 (1499) by AnonymousNational Library of Peru
One of the firsts books
It is considered an incunabulum, a term that means "in its cradle" and refers to books printed between 1450 and 1501. In this time, Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press: a method that revolutionized the way books were produced and circulated
Inspired by manuscripts
Early printed books often resembled manuscripts. Like manuscripts, the Opus pulcherrimum chiromantiae has no cover and uses Gothic script. Spaces with guide letters were included for hand-painted capitulars, a common practice that allowed for unique decoration.
Old facade of the National Library of Peru (Mid 19th century - 1943) by AnonymousNational Library of Peru
The book arrives at the National Library of Peru in early XIX century
Ricardo Palma, an important 20th century Peruvian journalist and writer, reported that this work was donated to the Library by the Argentine military strategist José de San Martín as part of the collection of books he left to the institution before leaving Peru in 1822.
Handwritten note on the book (1883) by Ricardo PalmaNational Library of Peru
The book as a loot
Despite surviving the initial turmoil of the early republic, the Opus ultimately succumbed to the widespread looting that engulfed the National Library of Peru and other institutions during the Pacific War.
Saved from the destruction
But, as we can read in a note in the cover page of this book by Ricardo Palma, the Opus was promptly recovered by the writer before its loss or destruction.
The book savior
Ricardo Palma kept it and returned it to the National Library of Peru in 1883, when he was appointed director.
Aerial view of the National Library after its fire, firefighters still working (1943) by AnonymousNational Library of Peru
A survivor of the flames
The life of the Opus continued to be part of the events of the National Library of Peru.
The tragic fire of 1943
In 1943, the book managed to avoid the fire that destroyed almost the entire collection of this institution, as it was located in one of the few corners where the flames did not reach: the director's office.
Open book and handwritten note by Ricardo Palma (1883) by Ricardo PalmaNational Library of Peru
A well preserved gem
Due to its age and eventful life, the Opus has been restored and today is preserved in a special container, properly air-conditioned, as well as protected for its care. But you can flip through its pages: it's just a click away in the National Library of Peru - Digital Library.
Discover it at the BNP Digital Library.
Opus Pulcherrimuz: https://repositoriodigital.bnp.gob.pe/bnp/recursos/2/memoria-peru/r-palma/opus-pulcherrimuz-chiromantie-cum-multis-additioibus-nouiter-impressuz/
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