<i>Collections in Context: The Organization of Knowledge and Community in Europe</i> (review)
J.D. Pearson
Reviewed by: Collections in Context: The Organization of Knowledge and Community Europe Jeremy D. Pearson Europe, ed. Karen Fresco Anne Hedeman (Columbus: Ohio State University Press 2011) 340 pp. In the introduction to Charlotte Bauer argues that for too long term collection has been very narrowly defined. A true traditionally considered a singular act authorship conceived by collector, who then, with great intentionality, gathers, edits, arranges objects question order tell specific story or create particular experience. Pre-modern collections seem lack this authorial voice, being hodge-podge inheritances gifts, rather than thing intelligently designed. For work’s contributors, however, narrow definition led scholars neglect important medieval early-modern do not fit it. fourteen essays Context, contrast, challenge these assumptions, seeking redefine “the collection” broadest terms, an effort which allows reevaluation which, definition, would qualify as mere miscellanies, despite fact they were systematically designed, deeply meaningful their users, capable conveying potent sophisticated messages. Through analysis various fourteenth seventeenth century collections, assert real flaw is our collection, refusal conform. one way another, Context reveal intentionality purpose that, at first glance, have none. are grouped into three parts, those part I begin considering how composed, ordered, circulated. Peter Ainsworth, example, suggests e-Science tools will soon allow access, assemble display high resolution images drawn from wide ever-expanding database. This technology will, effect, potential elastic dynamic, constantly permuting tinker adjust them respond ever-changing needs. static permanently fixed place time, other words, be rendered obsolete. created new technology, still require signifiers connect contents, her essay Nancy Freeman Regalado explores “dynamics reading collection,” iconographic motifs could used makers readers manuscripts bridge contents within (30). Specifically, she traces motif winged knight appears throughout MS Douce 308, encouraged integrated its texts, simultaneously emphasized pursuit worldly chivalric glory alongside potentially competing ideal preparing one’s soul impending apocalyptic struggle. Similarly, Marcus Keller examines Thesoro politico, seemingly unrelated political state reports, identifies common thread between them: [End Page 174] Ottoman Empire. editor selected texts treated Turkish threat different sometimes contradictory ways, deliberate incongruity “reveals anthological intrinsically mode” (87). II, Hedeman, Andrew Taylor, Craig each consider invisible networks book producers, through four case studies Shrewsbury Book (BL Royal 15 E. vi). epics, romances, treatises shows ways cross-textual visual imagery, grounded contemporary literary culture, producers make bold dynastic claims royal patrons, carefully tailored like Edward Westminster, prince Wales, encourage only martial outlook but actions go Finally, III, remaining contributors focus on build communities, special attention devoted innovative non-traditional collections. Indeed, Erin K. Donovan describes library Louis de Bruges, a...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies