RECENT ACQUISITIONS

Already possessing most of the attainable treasures from Schoeffer’s press, Bridwell Library continues to purchase important smaller works from the printer’s later years. By the 1480s Schoeffer was a wealthy man entering his sixties, with at least three sons ready to enter the printing profession. He seems to have taken a less active role in the workings of his press during this period, and dedicated much of his energy to the selling of books printed by others. Still, Schoeffer remained the most important printer in the region of Mainz, taking on commissions from the Archbishop of Mainz and the Imperial Chancery. His last signed book was the Psalter of 1502. 

Other recent acquisitions include the single leaf from the 36-Line Bible, given in honor of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro by her family in 2006, and the single leaf of the 1459 Psalter, purchased in 2007.