The Eadwine Psalter: Text, Image and Monastic Culture in Twelfth-Century Canterbury
Patrick McGurk|Margaret Gibson|T. A. Heslop|Richard W. Pfaff
The Eadwine Psalter (Cambridge, Trinity College MS R.17.1) is arguably the most ambitious manuscript produced in England twelfth century. Over a dozen scribes and artists combined to produce book which contains five different version of text Psalms, three Latin, one Old English, Anglo-Norman, with prologue, commentary, concluding prayer each Psalm. In addition, complex set illustrations available, those from ninth-century Utrecht Psalter, was adapted for project; largest known cycle prefatory biblical pictorial narratives period devised happened as preface; every Psalm, prayer, Canticle given fully illuminated major initials well gold silver minor throughout. Several other noteworthy images feature book: portrait 'Prince Scribes', himself, depiction comet, two plans precinct waterworks Canterbury Cathedral Priory installed c. 1160.In past various aspects this compilation have been treated individually (or some cases not at all). It aim present volume studies counteract tendency modern scholarship fragment its subjects by bringing under scrutiny between covers all components Psalter. To end, thirteen distinguished specialists representing fields inquiry collaborated over number years consulted other, comparing notes opinions. result communal endeavor locates within particular milieu, once monastic proud, aware contemporary but inherently conservative.
Modern Language Review