In the 15th century, one of the most popular devotional works was
the guide to Christian life by the Basel Franciscan Otto von
Passau, entitled “Die vierundzwanzig Alten”. Around 170
manuscripts and fragments thereof have survived. Many are from
nuns’ convents or were meant for lay brothers. This manuscript
from Hermetschwil Convent was copied by Sophie Schwarzmurer of
Zurich, who later became Mother Superior.
