Publishing house brings treasured medieval manuscripts to Abu Dhabi
In 1990, Manuel Moleiro, a Spaniard, took a huge risk by establishing a publishing house dedicated to the reproduction of rare manuscripts and codices from the Middle Ages.
These invaluable works of art were previously only accessible in prestigious libraries and museums around the world. Fast forward over 30 years, Moleiro has become the most renowned brand in the West, having published 50 titles. Now, they are making their mark at the Abu Dhabi Book International Fair which runs until tomorrow.
The representative of Moleiro, Diego de Urbiola, emphasised the goal of democratising knowledge by making these works more accessible to the public. He highlighted that when visiting a museum, viewers typically get to see only a single page of these books, limiting access to a mere one percent of the publication. By reproducing and distributing these manuscripts, Moleiro ensures that their wisdom and knowledge are not reserved solely for a privileged few. Urbiola expressed the importance of preservation, stating that each of these manuscripts is unique, and if they were to disappear, the knowledge contained within them would be lost forever. Moleiro's mission is to safeguard these treasures and leave them as a legacy for future generations.
Having received an invitation to participate in the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, Moleiro seized the opportunity to expand into this relatively unknown market. While the publishing house has established a strong reputation in Europe, including works owned by royal families and the Vatican, they are relatively unfamiliar to the audience in the UAE. Some of their titles have been featured in movies such as The Name of the Rose and the Spanish TV series Isabel, and have already
sold out, like El libro de las horas
de Juana I de Castilla. Moleiro only releases limited editions of 987 copies for each work, ensuring their exclusivity and collector's value.
The prices of these manuscripts and codices can reach up to €20,000 (Dh78,770) per copy, varying based on the work and investment required for each reproduction. Each sale includes a research book written by historians and specialists, providing buyers with insights into the book's historical significance. Many of these titles are written in Latin and may be illegible to the buyers themselves.
Among the illuminated manuscripts brought to Abu Dhabi, which predominantly feature illustrations, is the Atlas Miller.
This collection of maps showcases Portugal's discoveries in 1519, including the first depiction of the Australian coasts. Another noteworthy manuscript is El libro
de la Felicidad, commissioned by Sultan Murad III, who ascended to the throne of the Ottoman Empire in 1574. This particular work is housed in the National Library of France.
The process of cloning these invaluable treasures is intricate and time-consuming, taking anywhere from two to six years. It requires restricted access to the collaborating institutions, close collaboration with them, controlled atmospheric conditions, and even police supervision, according to Urbiola. This marks Moleiro's first appearance in the region and they are considering the possibility of expanding their presence in the UAE, with a focus on relevant titles from Islamic and Arabic culture.