On Wednesday, 2 June, at 7:00 p.m., the Biblioteca Històrica of the University of Valencia will host the presentation of the book Obres o trobes en llaors de la Verge Maria (València, 1474). Critical study and edition, by Antoni Ferrando Francés, in the Duc de Calàbria Hall.

The volume is number 3 in the Inutilitas librorum Series, co-published by the Historical Library and Publicacions de la Universitat de València (PUV) within the Cinc Segles collection. It is the first critical edition of a key work in Valencian and Iberian cultural history, traditionally associated with the introduction of printing to the Iberian Peninsula.

Printed in Valencia in 1474, the Trobes are considered the first book printed in a Romance language in the peninsula, specifically in Valencian. The study analyses the poems submitted to the 1474 literary contest, the circumstances surrounding their printing, and updates the biographies of the organisers, jury members and contestants. The edition includes a modernised transcription, extensive critical annotations and a facsimile of the original work.

On the occasion of the presentation, the original copy of the Trobes—the only surviving copy in the world—will be exceptionally exhibited, as it is preserved at the Historical Library of the University of Valencia.

The event will feature Albert Moncusí, Vice-Rector for Culture, Sports and Social Engagement; Cristina Tomás, Director of the Library and Documentation Service; Laia Miralles, lecturer in the Department of Catalan Philology at the University of Valencia; and Antoni Ferrando, Emeritus Professor at the UV and author of the study and critical edition.