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The collection

All the works in The Impossible Library series are in strictly limited and certified editions. Some of them, especially the ones that were published first, may have terminated and may no longer be available from either the publishers or via the sales network. However, to satisfy the requests from collectors, the publishing firm may still, through its archives, provide a few copies of works that have been sold out, but only to purchasers of the entire series.


General features of the facsimile editions published by Franco Cosimo Panini Editore

  • The books are printed with a special stochastic screens.
  • Reproduction in hot-sheared gold and silver foil, successively subjected to an ageing treatment and a process for creating relief effects in the metal.
  • Each page is individually die-cut.
  • The volumes are bound by hand and have wooden covers embellished with velvet, medallions, fasteners, clasps and tips in precious metals.
  • The books come in a protective case made of wood or cardboard.






Works available

The Torriani Book of Hours

(Chantilly, Bibliothèque du Musée Condé, Ms. 83 [XVI C])

In consideration of its qualities as a work in which the arts of calligraphy and adornment are conjoined to such brilliant effect, Franco Cosimo Panini Editore decided to publish a facsimile edition of the Torriani Book of Hours – the tenth in our series, Biblioteca Impossibile . The Biblioteca Impossibile is an ‘impossible’ library of facsimiles which we consider the ‘flagship’ project of our publishing house.

The facsimile is entirely faithful to the original in all its parts. It reproduces for the first time, and with the greatest precision, this exceedingly refined codex. It has been published as a single (unrepeatable) limited edition of 980 copies for world distribution.
The work is accompanied by a treatise publication providing comments, critical notes and analysis (edited by Pier Luigi Mulas ).


The Torriani Book of Hours web site
● Full reproduction of codex Ms. 83 of the Bibliothèque du Château de Chantilly .

● Limited single (unrepeatable) edition of 980 numbered copies .

● Single volume; format 6.5 x 8.2 cm.

● 288 pages (I + 143 ff.) with 30 illuminations.

● Reproduction of the binding (gilded silver, ivory and enamel work).

● Publication providing comments, critical notes and analysis, edited by
Pier Luigi Mulas .
The Farnese Lectionary

Created around the years 1550-1560, this large liturgical manuscripts by Giulio Clovio (1498-1578), the most famous Italian illuminator of the second part of the Sixteenth century, mentioned by Giorgio Vasari in his Vite. After the death of its patron, cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the Missal was used for centuries by the Pontiffs and by the most important Princes of the Church during the solemn religious ceremonies officiated in the Sistine Chapel.

Lezionario Farnese web site

a New York Public Library Ms MA 91
  • Single tome in the 37.8 x 53.6 cm format
  • 56 pages (28 sheets) written in antique script in an area measuring 31 x 21.9 cm
  • Nineteenth century binding in red velvet with corner pieces, fasteners and the coat-of-arms of the Towneley family in silver
  • Volume with a Commentary by Jonathan J. Alexander
The Durazzo Book of Hours

The Durazzo Book of Hours, thus called after the name of its last owner, is a little masterpiece by the painter and illuminator from Parma, Francesco Marmitta (around 1462/1466 – 1505). An exceptional work that stands out from every other devotional manuscript for private use owing to two peculiar characteristics: the use of purple parchment and chrysography, i.e. writing in gold letters, done here by a master of the art of handwriting, Pierantonio Sallando, teacher of this subject at the University of Bologna.

The Durazzo Book of Hours web site
Riproduzione integrale del Codice m.r. Cf. Arm. 1 della Biblioteca Civica Berio di Genova.
  • A single tome in the 14.3 x 9.7 cm format
  • 432 pages (IV + 213 + II sh.) with 45 miniatures (of which 6 are the full-page size) and 201 illuminated initials
  • Binding in velvet, gilded silver and precious stones
  • Commentary volume by Andrea De Marchi
Il Libro d’Ore di Bonaparte del Perugino

(Londra
, British Library, Yates Thompson Ms 29).

Nel commissionare questo codice, il nobile bolognese Bonaparte del Perugino volle riunire alcuni artisti fra i più famosi dell’epoca, chiamati a realizzare ciascuno una miniatura a piena pagina, nell’intento di offrire quasi una piccola antologia del meglio che la scuola bolognese di miniatura poteva offrire in quegli anni. Vediamo così succedersi la mano del Perugino nel San Sebastiano (la sola miniatura esistente del grande pittore), di Amico Aspertini nell’Adorazione dei pastori, del Costa nel David con la cetra, e del Francia nel San Gerolamo. La legatura è sontuosa e principesca: la copertina in pelle di capra della edizione in facsimile riproduce esattamente l’originale, con impressioni in oro e a secco.

Il sito del Libro d’Ore del Perugino
  • Tiratura limitata di 980 copie numerate
  • Un tomo di 274 pagine di formato cm 14,5×20,7
  • Volume di commento a cura di Pier Luigi Mulas
The Divine Comedy of Alfonso I of Aragon
king of Naples


(Londra, British Library, Codice Yates Thompson Ms 36).

The most extraordinary manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s poem, richly decorated with over 100 splendid miniatures and with historiated initials at the beginning of each part. It was made in Tuscany around the middle of the 15th century on behalf of Alfonso I of Aragon, the King of Naples and is the work of two different authors, both Sienese, i.e. Lorenzo di Pietro, known as Vecchietta, and Giovanni di Paolo, an artist immersed in a dream-like spiritual dimension.

The Divine Comedy of Alfonso I of Aragon web page (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • A tome with 396 pages in the 25.7 x 37 cm format
  • Edition of 750 numbered and certified copies
  • Commentary volume.
The Bible of Federico da Montefeltro

(Rome, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Codex Urb. Lat. 1 and 2) Edition published in collaboration with Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana

The last supreme example of miniated art before the definitive advent of movable type printing. Created for the duke of Urbino, this is an imposing Bible in which the rich figurative heritage of Florence’s 15th century was converted into splendid miniatures by artists of exceptional ability, like Attavante degli Attavanti, Francesco Rosselli, Davide Ghirlandaio and Francesco di Antonio del Chierico, then at the height of fame. .

The Bible of Federico da Montefeltro web page (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • Two tomes in the 47 x 63 x 10 cm format amounting to a total 1108 pages.
  • Commentary in two volumes.
  • Limited edition of 500 numbered copies.

Works now sold out

Borso d’Este’s Bible

(Modena, Biblioteca Estense Universitaria, MS LAT 422 and LAT 423)
Edition published in collaboration with Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani


The loveliest Italian Renaissance book in an impeccable facsimile edition that wholly reproduces all the richness and variety of its illuminated treasures. An unrepeatable enterprise that offers bibliophiles and enthusiasts the most precious illuminated manuscript in the world, in all its radiant beauty. The Bible was created for Borso d’Este, duke of Ferrara, between the years 1455 and 1461.

Borso d’Este’s Bible webpage (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • Two tomes in the 28 x 40 x 8 cm format amounting to a total 1212 pages.
  • Commentary in two volumes.
  • Limited edition of 750 numbered copies.
The Visconti Book of Hours

Florence, Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Ms BR 397 e LF 22)
Edition published in collaboration with Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani


Known as Offiziolo Visconti, this illuminated manuscript in two tomes was created between the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century for Gian Galeazzo Visconti and his son Filippo Maria. It is a Book of Hours, i.e. a compendium of prayers to be said at various times of the day. Exceptionally rich in religious subjects, heraldic emblems and exquisite decorations of a naturalistic character, the work is proposed in a particularly accurate facsimile edition with splendid miniatures, precious gold leaf decorations and the art of great masters such as Giovannino de’ Grassi and Belbello da Pavia.

The Visconti Book of Hours web page (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • Two tomes in the 20 x 27 x 6 cm format amounting to a total 636 pages.
  • Commentary in two volumes.
  • Limited edition of 500 numbered copies
Historia Plantarum

(Rome, Biblioteca Casanatense Ms 459)

A true encyclopaedia of natural science created at the court of Gian Galeazzo Visconti as a gift for emperor Wenceslas of Bohemia. A compendium of the scientific knowledge of the late Middle Ages in which about five-hundred botanical varieties, over eighty real and imaginary animals and thirty or so minerals are illustrated and described, with comments by the learned and with the respective medical, therapeutic and dietary properties, as well as scenes of daily life concerning the use of the most varied substances.

‘Historia Plantarum web page (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • A tome in the 32 x 46 x 8 cm format with 590 pages.
  • Commentary in two volumes with translated texts on a digital medium.
  • Limited edition of 750 numbered copies.
Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Book of Hours

(Florence, Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Ms. Ashburnam 1874).

The jewel of Florentine illuminated art, commissioned by the Lord of Florence as a wedding gift for one of his daughters. A wealth of exquisitely painted miniatures ascribed to Francesco Rosselli, engraver, illuminator and painter considered to be one of the major representatives of the Florentine school. A refined work. A triumph of harmony reproduced to perfection and embellished by a sumptuous binding encrusted with precious stones.

Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Book of Hours web page (http://grandiopere.fcp.it)
  • One tome in the 10 x 15 cm format with 472 pages.
  • A Commentary in one volume.
  • Limited edition of 980 numbered copies.

Opere in preparazione

Le Très Riches Heures del Duca di Berry

(Biblioteca del Castello di Chantilly)

Celeberrimo in tutto il mondo per la sua ricchezza, le Très Riches Heures del Duca di Berry è considerato il capolavoro assoluto della miniatura franco-fiamminga del XV secolo.
Artefici di questo incredibile scrigno di miniature furono i fratelli Limbourg, che avevano ricevuto l’incarico da un committente d’eccezione: il principe capetingio Jean de Berry, grande mecenate e collezionista. Le Très Riches Heures era infatti destinato a diventare l’opera più preziosa della sua illustre biblioteca.



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All the works in The Impossible Library series are in strictly limited and certified editions. Some of them, especially the ones that were published first, may have terminated and may no longer be available from either the publishers or via the sales network. However, to satisfy the requests from collectors, the publishing firm may still, through its archives, provide a few copies of works that have been sold out, but only to purchasers of the entire series.

General features of the facsimile editions published by Franco Cosimo Panini Editore

● The books are printed with a special stochastic screens.
● Reproduction in hot-sheared gold and silver foil, successively subjected to an ageing treatment and a process for creating relief effects in the metal.
● Each page is individually die-cut.
● The volumes are bound by hand and have wooden covers embellished with velvet, medallions, fasteners, clasps and tips in precious metals.
● The books come in a protective case made of wood or cardboard.

Go to La Biblioteca Impossibile

La pagina del Perugino
La pagina del Perugino

L'artista più illustre impegnato nella decorazione del libro d'Ore del Perugino è senza dubbio il Perugino.

la legatura
La legatura

La legatura del libro d'Ore del Perugino è un lavoro coevo di estrema complessità.

La vicenda del codice
Le vicende del codice

Dopo essere appartenuto agli inizi del XVI secolo alla famiglia bolognese del Perugino.