Anthonij Lollij Geminianensis Oratio circumcisionis dominice: habita coram Innocentia viij pontifice maximimo frequenti [par.] Car. Senatu. Caleñ Januarij.

The Latin title of this book, Anthonij Lollij Geminianensis Oratio circumcisionis dominice: habita coram Innocentia viij pontifice maximimo frequenti [par.] Car. Senatu. Caleñ Januarij, translates roughly to Antonius Lollius The Geminian Oration Of Circumcision On Sunday: Held Before Innocent the 8th Pontiff, most attended in English. This book is the oldest printed work in Trinity’s collection. It is a religious pamphlet written entirely in Latin for Pope Innocent VIII on the subject of the festival day celebrating the circumcision of Jesus Christ. In addition to the content, the book has a number of interesting features.

The cover of the Anthonij Lollij Geminianensis Oratio circumcisionis dominice: habita coram Innocentia viij pontifice maximimo frequenti [par.] Car. Senatu. Caleñ Januarij.

Interestingly, this page lacks the illuminated initial often found on the first page of printed works from this era. In addition, the symbols AA3381 can be found penciled into the bottom margin. These were most likely left by later booksellers when making notes on potential sale value.

On this last page, the year is confirmed as 1485, written as M CCCC LXXXV. What is interesting to note is the use of CCCC to represent 400 rather than CD. What this detail shows is that roman numerals were not as standardized as we think of them today.

Lastly this particular end paper is covered in all matter of scribbles, which so far elude understanding as to their purpose.

While someone has rebound this book, its pages are still in good condition. This is a testament to the longevity of early paper, which used linen rags in their construction. In comparison, modern day paper is composed mostly of wood pulp and is much less durable and much more acidic, a quality that leads to its gradual destruction.

It is important to note that this pamphlet is missing leaves three and four. In addition, both the remaining pages and the newer covers are inscribed with various penciled-in scribbles, most of which are the work of bookshop keepers writing notes on the pages. What can be seen on the inside of the front cover is a bookplate attributed to “Early Martin Jr.” Book plates like these were used to denote ownership.

Example of bookplate attributing overship to Early Martin Jr. Bookplates such as this often contained elaborate pieces of artwork as a way for the owner to put their own unique mark on a work they're proud to own. Inscribed above are the words "Ex Libris". In latin this means "From the books of". On the opposing page, the greatest amount of scribbles can be found, the work of booksellers over the centuries.

A bookplate is a small print attached to the inside cover of a book as a way to establish ownership. These labels, often adorned with intricate artwork, were meant as a highly personalized way for book owners to show pride in their collections as well as to make it easy to identify the owner of a specific edition of a book. According to scholar James Keenan, while individual bookplates differ from each other in extreme ways, there are a number of similarities across different designs. For example, a common sight on most bookplates are the words “Ex Libris.” In Latin this phrase means “from the books of.” The image above offers an example of a bookplate found in a rebound religious pamphlet belonging to Early Martin Jr, identifying him as a previous owner of the book. Oftentimes, bookplates would include family crests, identifying a book passed down a family line rather than belonging to a single individual.