MINSK, 6 September (BelTA) – The international exhibition project Francysk Skaryna and His Epoch displays ancient books at an unparalleled level, Director of Belarus' National Library Roman Motulsky told a press conference in the BelTA press center.
The exhibition is going to open on 14 September as part of the celebrations of the 95th anniversary of Belarus' National Library. It will show how book printing had changed the European space and influenced the development of the European civilization. Roman Motulsky underlined that this exhibition is the first of its kind in Belarus and in Europe. It will feature books printed by Francysk Skaryna and others from the collections of the National Library and libraries of Germany, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The originals of Francysk Skaryna's books will come from Germany, Russia, and Slovenia. For instance, the Upper Lusatian Library of Sciences in Gorlitz, Germany will provide Skaryna's Bible printed in Prague in 1517. The Russian State Library will present the Book of Judith printed in Prague in 1519. The National and University Library of Slovenia, Ljubljana and Belgazprombank are going to present the Little Travel Book (Vilna, circa 1522).
The National Library of Belarus is also expected to showcase the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in Europe. This is a rare occasion since very few editions have remained in the world in general and in Germany in particular where the Bible will come from, Roman Motulsky added.
One of the most well-preserved copies of the Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania of 1588 will be provided by the National Library of Latvia.
Another exhibit will be a facsimile of St Peter's text included in the Bible. It has arrived from the Vatican where its original belongs to.
According to Roman Motulsky, the interactive exhibition program will provide an opportunity to learn more about the 500-year-old book printing technology and the contemporary one that uses 3D and 5D printing. Various excursions will take place along with special lessons and master classes in the educational space.
The international exhibition project Francysk Skaryna and His Epoch will be open till the year-end.
