Le Légendier de Turin: MS. D.V.3 de la Bibliothèque Nationale Universitaire by Monique Goullet
Roger Wright
Reviewed by: Le Légendier de Turin: MS. D.V.3 la Bibliothèque Nationale Universitaire by Monique Goullet Roger Wright Firenze: Sismel, Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2014. Pp. xv + 891. ISBN 978–88–8450–516–3. With DVD. The Turin is a manuscript collection of saints’ lives compiled at the end eighth century in Northern France, probably Soissons. It known as Legendary because that [End Page 289] where it had come to rest mid-eleventh century. has 265 folios, containing 40 texts fifteen hands, recounting and deaths 38 saints (or occasionally more than one saint). These are copies earlier texts. overall coordinator, but all there 27 editors, mostly writing French or Italian. Monumenta versions over-corrected They were not, however, first do so. Medieval scholars made many textual corrections Caroline script, usually minor linguistic nature, Italy. edition presents pre-Carolingian text, with these post-Carolingian detailed apparatus. Our late eighth-century compiler seems have been collecting stories he could find, having them copied order found them. Most composed before fifth century, so sensibly asks if language “langue des textes ou langue copistes,” thinking here mainly spelling, which lengthy analyses devoted. There some non-standard details consistent over whole corpus, implies they belong copyists rather forty different composers. script used rare type now ab, was not much beyond century; thus likely be coetaneous reforming De Litteris Colendis Admonitio Generalis, prepared preceding intellectual context. later follow Carolingian reforms, Italian context may well liturgical use, since musical notations added. printed order. Each line given its own on page, even when ends mid-word. presented without explanatory notes. concentrate (passiones), involving horrific tortures. unclear how literally true, editors spend little time considering such questions, either from historical theological perspective; insofar documents, show us what people believed true actually happened unfortunate obstinate Christians, although most existed. Absurdities lose plausibility for modern reader seem taken general stride being straightforwardly miraculous, example, dove emerged St Quentin’s severed neck (6r18, p. 224), fact several martyrs manage speak coherently after their tongues cut out, including Longinus (20r1, 254). word legendary English “untrue,” derives merely meant tale read (leg-enda). Not date martyrs’ period Constantine. Remigius, said bishop Rheims age 22 (though text says 21: adoliscens uicissimi secundi anni, 50r12, 330), died old 533–535. Gregory Tours gave him chapter (in about 590), though this Life Gregory’s source; his real life generally account written, atmosphere less miraculous. Overall, powerful designed achieve an immediate emotional impact among listeners. This immediacy 290] aloud hard...
Journal of Late Antiquity