World libraries: The British Library has acquired the oldest European manuscript

The British Library has announced the acquisition of the oldest in Europe book which had remained absolutely intact. This is a handwritten copy of the Gospel of John, known as the Gospel of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne.

The library has paid for the book more than 13 million dollars collected through the unprecedented in the history of the British Library's fundraising campaign.

A copy of John's Gospel in Latin was written in the north-east of England at the end of the 7^th century. In 698, the manuscript was buried in the tomb of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne.

The manuscript was discovered in Durham Cathedral in 1104, when the remains of St. Cuthbert were moved to save them from the Vikings plundering in the north of England. This is the only manuscript of the time, retaining its original appearance, both inside and outside. Thus, it is an important addition to the excellent collection of the library related to the early history and culture of Britain and its unmatched collection of texts related to world religions.

The manuscript of the Gospel will be exhibited in the main building of the British Library in London.

The Gospel of St. Cuthbert's is fully digitized, its electronic copy will be available online on a special page.