Cartea Veche Românească din Bisericile Eparhiei Caransebeșlui 1648-1800
Old Romanian Books from the Churches of the Eparchy of Caransebeș 1648-1800

Author(s): Valeriu Leu
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History, Cultural history, History of Church(es), Library and Information Science, Cataloguing, Local History / Microhistory, Theology and Religion
Published by: Editura Mega Print SRL
Keywords: Old Romanian books; Eparchy of Caransebeș; Valeriu Leu; Religious history; Banat; Marginalia; Liturgical texts; 17th-18th century; Romanian language history; National identity;
Summary/Abstract: This volume is a catalog of old Romanian religious books found within the Eparchy of Caransebeș, covering the period from 1648 to 1800. Authored by Dr. Valeriu Leu, the work is the result of extensive research conducted between 1976 and 1987 in local churches and parish libraries. The catalog documents over 800 items, including significant works like the New Testament of Bălgrad (1648), the Bucharest Bible (1688), and various liturgical texts printed in centers such as Râmnic, Bucharest, Blaj, and Vienna. Beyond bibliographic data, the book highlights the historical importance of handwritten marginalia left by priests, teachers, and parishioners. These notes provide insights into local history, social and economic life, military conflicts (Austro-Turkish, Austro-French), natural calamities, and the struggle for national and religious identity in Banat. The work underscores the role of these books in preserving the Romanian language and fostering national unity.

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