Annibale Albani - Menologium Graecorum - 1727

This is the 1st volume of the "Menologium Graecorum"; a foundational and monumental hagiographical work. Ιt marks the first time this imperial Byzantine text was presented in a bilingual format for the scholars of 18th century.

The volume contains 215 engraved illustrations, faithful reproductions of the late-10th-century Byzantine miniatures from the original manuscript (Vaticanus Graecus 1613).

It spans the first three months of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar (which begins in September): September, October, and November. The pages are designed with two parallel columns. The left column features the original Byzantine Greek text (Graece), while the right column contains the Latin translation (Latine).Daily Liturgical Synaxarion: For every single day across these three months, the text provides a synaxarion—a brief biographical account or narrative of the martyrdom of the saints celebrated on that calendar day.

The initial 20 pages feature formal dedications to Pope Benedict XIII, editorial notes by Cardinal Albani outlining the discovery and historical importance of the original Vatican manuscript, and approvals from church censors.Indices: The final 13 pages contain alphabetical indices of the saints and martyrs featured in these months to serve as a reference tool for scholars.

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The book shows signs of woodworm damage from page 208 to the end (see photos).