No other library in the country is able to document the evolution of the art of writing from the 5th to the 18th century so completely. St. Paul has the oldest book in Austria from the 5th century and the first printed work by Gutenberg from approximately 1450, which represents a particular treasure. Numerous fragments are important examples of the Minnesang (Hartmann von Aue’s "Iwein", Wolfram von Eschenbach’s "Wilehalm", Neidhart von Reuenthal’s "St. Pauler Neidhartspiel", etc.) The oldest depiction of Karl the Great embellishes a collection of capitularies and common law from the 9th century. The famous Ramsey Psalter from the 13th century is a beautiful example of magnificent book illustration. All in all St. Paul can offer around 4,000 examples of handwriting and 180,000 volumes. The present day display room of the library contains a ceiling painting from the year 1683, which was created after the example of astronomical painting of the 16th century. This represents the signs of the zodiac, the seasons and the winds. The large library in the South Wing could no longer be completed as a result of the wars of the 17th century.