Book excerpt: The collection of liturgical readings is preceded by four full-page frontispieces illustrating the Hand of God, Uta dedicating the codex to the Virgin and Child, a symbolic Crucifixion, and Saint Erhard (the convent's patron saint) celebrating Mass. Four evangelist portraits accompany the readings from each Gospel. In this study, Adam Cohen provides comprehensive explications of the codex's renowned illuminations as well as the first thorough investigation of its historical context."