Script: Written in an early Carolingian minuscule, perhaps "pre-Alcuinian" exhibiting influences of Corbie and Luxeuil. Headings in half-uncial, headings in square and rustic capitals. Decoration: Eight ornamental initials in same ink as text, interlaced style. Binding: Full dark blue morocco, circa 1850, paper pastedowns and flyleaves. Blue silk portfolio, dark blue morocco solander case. Small round paper label with numeral "4" on spine. Pages numbered in a modern hand. Pages 137–38 and 139–40 transposed. At least 26 leaves appear to be missing. Collation: I^4, II-IV^8, V^1 (lacking 2-8), VI^6 (lacking 1 and 2), VII-XI^8, XII^7 (unclear which fol. is lacking, either 6 or 7), XIII-XVII^8, XVIII^5. Provenance: No. 111 in the Dr. E.C. Hawtrey sale (Sotheby & Wilkinson, 1 July 1853); bought by Henry Stevens for George Livermore of Dana Hill, Cambridge, Massachusetts; no. 105 in the Livermore sale (Libbie’s, 20 November 1894). Formerly on deposit at Harvard University, withdrawn by the Livermore executors. Provenance: Purchased by Lathrop C. Harper for Alfred C. Chapin from the W.H.H. Newman (Buffalo) estate. Exhibits characteristics prevalent prior to the coming of Alcuin to St. Martin's at Tours in the script's touches of Corbie and Luxeuil influence, however as a whole the manuscript displays the ordered and disciplined calligraphy of the fully-developed Tours style, early 9th century. Lectionary of the Gospels, consisting of readings 1-261, of which 62-73, 75-76, 97 (part)-120 are lacking.
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