THE FIND: An oversized choir book (1773) made by the Franciscan Friars (probably) in Cordova, Spain. Books like this were displayed in front of a Catholic Church during special liturgical ceremonies to help the parishioners follow along. PROVENANCE: One of 15 manuscript choir books donated to the Newberry Library, on June 23, 1909, by Chicago book collector and Newberry trustee Edward E. Ayer (1841-1927). Ayer may have purchased the books while on vacation in Spain or Mexico, where he traveled on business. He was the first donor of a great collection to the library. WHEN SIZE MATTERS: Although this choir book was most likely created in Spain in the 18th Century, there are hints that it was made for the churches in Mexico, where the Franciscans had become the dominant force in Mexican life after the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767. A section of music devoted to a church dedication, a common occurrence in “New Spain,” and the chants it contains are simple and unadorned-perfect for a missionary congregation. Robert Karrow Jr., curator of special collections, is pictured with the book.
