Book of Deer

The origin of the book is uncertain, but it is reasonable to assume that the manuscript was at Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, when the marginalia were made.

It may be the oldest surviving manuscript produced in Scotland (although see Book of Kells), and is notable for having possibly originated in what is now considered a Lowland area.

The manuscript belongs to the category of Irish pocket gospel books, which were produced for private use rather than for church services.

In the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, it records Seth as the first man and grandfather of Adam.

There are also ten pages, all in the final half of the book, with marginal drawings of men, animals, or simple doodles.

The manuscript derives its name from the monastery of Deer, mentioned in the Gaelic texts and the Latin Charter of King David I.

It is likely that the book was in the possession of Thomas Gale (died 1702), the headmaster of St Paul's School, London.