1 volume (151 unnumbered leaves, 50 blank leaves, 4 leaves of plates) : illustrations ; 23 x 17 cm. Produced in Rome, Italy (?). Title transcribed from title page. Dedication page: "All' Illustrissimo e Rever[issi]mo Monsignore Paolo Brunoni, Vicario Apostolico dell Imperial Città di Costantinopoli, Giovanni Dacus, alumno del Ven: Coll: Urb: de Prop: Fide qual figlio obbediente e diletto Questo libro delle varie lingue. D. [G.?] D." Each geographic section preceded by steel-engraved plate depicting a Biblical scene, and followed by blank leaves. Full brown morocco; spine and covers stamped in gold with floral motifs; marbled endpapers; all edges gilt. Rear free endpaper recto has penciled note: "Morton, S.L. Ser. II."

Album containing the Lord's Prayer written out in the various languages of Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. Each page illustrated with a decorative frame, sometimes evoking the language or associated culture. Each script done in stylized calligraphy. Languages include Kurdish, Phoenician, Chaldaean, Tibetan, Coptic, various European dialects, Native American languages, and Egyptian hieroglyphics (among many others).

Giovanni (or Joannes) Dacus (December 1, 1837-March 30, 1900) was born in Constantinople and entered the Collegium Urbanum de Propaganda Fide in Rome on July 16, 1853, at the age of 15. In the course of his theological studies, he created this multilingual book, possibly as an exercise in calligraphy or philology. Dacus graduated June 29, 1859 with the title of Acolyte. He went on to serve as a secular clergyman in the Cathedral of Constantinople for over thirty years; upon his death, he was remembered for his jovial nature and work with the poor.

Transferred to Rare Books P351 D33 1885