Manuscripts Collection
Manuscripts Collection
Overview
Contents of the collection
The Manuscripts Collection forms part of the broader history of the BnL, which is the successor to collections established since the French Revolution in the Département des Forêts (1795–1814).
The earliest part of the collection comprises medieval manuscripts and fragments dating from the 7th to the 17th century. They mainly originate from the abbeys of Echternach and Orval, as well as from institutions established in Luxembourg City (Jesuits, Recollects, Dominicans).
Over time, more recent manuscripts were added to these early holdings. More than 500 shelfmarks cover the period from the second third of the 17th century to the 20th century. They derive from acquisitions, donations or deposits. The collection thus reflects both the cultural history of Luxembourg from the Ancien Régime and the preservation practices of a heritage library.
Searching and viewing
Descriptive catalogues
Reference resources vary depending on the provenance and period of the manuscript in question.
- Manuscripts from the abbey of Echternach (before 1629): You are advised to consult first the printed catalogue Die Echternacher Handschriften bis zum Jahr 1628 (2 volumes). For lists and catalogues compiled between approximately 1799 and 1894, please refer to pages 94 to 104 of the first part of this catalogue.
- Manuscripts from the abbey of Orval (before 1629): You may consult the catalogue Die Orvaler Handschriften bis zum Jahr 1628 (2 volumes).
- Medieval manuscripts from other provenances: A third catalogue is currently being compiled. The manuscript description project began in Frankfurt at the Universitätsbibliothek Johann Christian Senckenberg and is now continuing in Luxembourg.
- Post-medieval manuscripts (1629–1799): Part of this material is accessible via the online catalogue a-z.lu, with full digitisation available for selected documents. The Catalogue descriptif des manuscrits by van Werveke remains a reference for items not yet listed on a-z.lu.
- Manuscripts from 1800 to the 20th century: For these documents, please contact the Luxembourgish Collection.
Terms of access
Rare and valuable documents, such as manuscripts, may be viewed only on site and by appointment, in the Rare Books Reading Room Dr Jean-Claude Loutsch.
A selection of manuscripts has been digitised and is accessible via the portal eluxemburgensia.lu. For these items, on-site consultation may only be permitted in exceptional cases.
Publications relating to the collection
Latest news from the collection
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