The oldest Romanian book in a private collection, the Macarius Gospel (also called the Macarius Bible), is on display this weekend at the Bookfest International Book Fair on a unique stand. Artmark auction house presents for the first time the 14th edition of a rare copy printed in Tirgovishte in 1512, during the reign of Neagoe Basarab.

The public display of the Gospel is an important event for the Romanian book market. The Evangeliar is not only the oldest Romanian book in a private collection, but also one of the first three printed in Romania. Experts estimate the value of this exceptional cultural value at approximately 150-200 thousand euros, although the exact value is difficult to establish, given the fact that there is no precedent for trading such an old and rare Romanian book.

The work, printed in the monastery of Dealu near Tirgovishte, where the hieromonk Macarius was appointed typographer by the predecessor of Neagoe Basarab, the ruler of Radu cel Mare, marked a turning point in the evolution of Eastern European literature, laying the foundations for future translations. and printing books in the Romanian language In Romania, only one copy of this rare print has survived in the collection of the Library of the Romanian Academy.

Along with the evangelist Macarius, one of the most precious and valuable objects of Romanian cultural and religious heritage, will be exhibited “The Romanian teacher” (also called “Kazania Barlaam”) of 1643. The masterpiece of medieval Romanian culture was edited by Metropolitan Barlaam and printed in the royal printing house of the monastery “Three Hierarchies” under the rule of Vasile Lupu.

“Evangheliar lui Macarie” and “Cazania lui Varlaam” together with other items from the collection from the legacy of the literary critic Şerban Choculescu can be found at Bookfest International Book Fair, XVI Edition, May 26-28, Romexpo, Pavilion B2, Place B06.

Article supported by A10 by Artmark