The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer Collaborative Programs exploring medieval books and Finland’s history, culture and economy.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, the Schemel Forum will partner with Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for the lecture, “From Manuscript to Print: The Journey of Medieval Books,” presented by Professor Michael Knies, special collections librarian and university archivist.
This fall, the McHugh Family Special Collections at the Weinberg Library unveiled its earliest printed book — a circa-1470 editio princeps of De Dignitate Sacerdocii (Dialogue on the Dignity of the Priesthood) by St. Johannes Chrysostomus, as part of an exhibit of the Library’s medieval collections. Donated by University benefactor Edward R. Leahy ’68, H’01, this rare incunabulum, printed by Ulrich Zell, links directly to the legacy of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of printing. It is one of about 10 known copies of this book worldwide and is the earliest printed book in the Weinberg Library’s collections.
According to Knies, the book was produced by the first printer in cologne, Germany, Ulrich Zell, who learned the craft from Gutenberg’s partners. An especially interesting feature is the inclusion of a hand-painted initial, something not found in all early printed books.
“The main text of the book was printed and space was left for painted initials added later by a specialized scribe called a rubricator,” said Knies.
Along with the recent donation, the exhibit will include other early printed books, three complete medieval manuscripts and many individual pages from other manuscripts. The manuscripts are unique by definition as they were written by hand and many have decorated initials and decorative borders. Additionally, less than 5% of manuscripts created from this period are still in existence. What remains are “the survivors,” said Knies. These books offer a rare window into a 1,000-year period of Western history, both secular and religious.
“Each piece embodies the preservation and transfer of information and knowledge, as well as artistry and craftsmanship that went into making the book,” said Knies.
During his presentation, Knies will trace the transition from handcrafted medieval manuscripts to the mechanical press, featuring the Library’s complete manuscripts, manuscript leaves and incunabula (early printed books) from before 1500.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The lecture, exhibit and light refreshments are complimentary and open to the community, courtesy of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The accompanying exhibit will be on display in the Weinberg Library’s Heritage Room through December 12.
“Finland: History, Culture, Economy,” a collaborative program with the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in the PNC Auditorium and Atrium of the Loyola Science Center.
The ninth presentation in the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series will welcome the distinguished Ambassador, Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, of Finland, to The University of Scranton. The evening will offer the campus and broader community an enriching exploration of Finland’s fascinating history, vibrant culture and dynamic economy through the ambassador’s presentation. Following the lecture, attendees will be treated to an authentic cultural performance that will showcase the rich artistic traditions of this Nordic nation. The program will conclude with a reception, providing an opportunity for informal conversation and cultural exchange between the ambassador, performers, students, faculty and community members.
This event continues the lecture series’ mission of bringing international perspectives to Scranton while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Finland’s unique contributions to world history, arts, and global commerce.
The lecture, cultural performance and reception will be complimentary and open to the community, courtesy of the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Endowment.
For additional information or registration information, contact Rose Merritt at 570-941-4740 or [email protected].
Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.
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