II. —Decorated Initials in English MSS. from A.D. 900 to 1100
Francis Wormald
A recent beautiful publication by Mr. Mynors of the MSS. in Cathedral Library at Durham has raised an important point history English illuminated Up to now there been a tendency regard Norman Conquest as constituting complete break with past accompanied introduction new style illumination. There is, course, no doubt that many spheres life occupation England did do away characteristics Anglo-Saxon England. But this is not whole story. change one department does mean revolution another. In realm literature, for instance, Professor Chambers shown interrupt writing and development vernacular prose. Mynors's book produces ample evidence confirm suspicion long held some, but uttered, much ornament used illuminators during first fifty years after directly descended from motives use before invasion. To Durham, examples Canterbury may be added order show famous outline drawing tenth eleventh centuries had healthy descendants early twelfth century. The best place see continuity initials these so it necessary examine initial centuries.
Archaeologia ;