Photo of the week
Colophon from "Hamilton's Catechism". (Credit: Special Collections)
One of the most important books in the University Library, "Hamilton's Catechism" was the first book to be printed in St Andrews.
In September 2008, it will form the centrepiece of an exhibition in the Gateway Galleries to celebrate 500 years of Scottish printing.
John Hamilton, illegitimate son of James Hamilton, first Earl of Arran, born in 1510/11, was destined at an early age for a monastic life. He entered St Leonard's College in 1528, became abbot of Paisley in 1536 and was translated to the archbishopric of St Andrews in 1547.
Aware from very early on in his prelacy of the ground swell of movement for reform in the church, Hamilton determined to strengthen the true Catholic faith of the ordinary people by producing a straightforward and easily understood statement of the principal doctrines of the Catholic Church.
His catechism, the work of the English Dominican Richard Marshall, was expressly designed to appeal to the widest possible audience, presenting these doctrines simply and attractively in the vernacular, while leaving unsaid the most contentious issues such as papal authority.
Generally known by its shorthand title, "Hamilton's Catechism" can be consulted in the Special Collections Department of the Library.
The Department is home to the Library's manuscripts and rare printed books, as well as its extensive photographic collections and the University muniments.
For more information visit www.st-andrews.ac.uk/specialcollections