Published in 1917, Égi manna (“Heavenly Manna”) is a Hungarian Roman Catholic prayer and hymn book created for Christian youth during the First World War. This compact devotional volume is bound in an ornately molded white cover with raised floral decoration and a central cross motif—typical of early 20th-century Continental devotional books and likely celluloid or composite, rather than ivory.
The interior contains Hungarian-language prayers and hymns (énekek), accompanied by devotional illustrations of saints and biblical scenes. The original binding remains intact, with gentle age toning throughout that speaks to its devotional use over more than a century.
Equally suited to an altar, bedside table, or devotional display, this is a striking example of Central European Catholic material culture from the WWI era.
Details
- Date: 1917
- Origin: Budapest / New York
- Language: Hungarian
- Material: molded celluloid or composite cover
- Condition: complete; light, age-appropriate wear