The content and the ideological construction of the early pontifical manuscripts
Arthur Westwell
This article addresses the earliest manuscripts of ‘pontifical’ genre which are to be found in Latin West from ninth century. Pontificals contain liturgical ceremonies peculiar a bishop. Here examined two distinct and particularly expressive France: eleventh-century London British Library Add. MS 15222 ninth-century Paris Bibliotheque de l’Arsenal 227. Traditionally, studies has focused on practical utility these kinds books, but examples here expand our understanding what they might designed do. Each explains explores its ritual texts, contextualises justifies them offers alternatives. Most dramatically, link their rituals practices wider Church, Rome. Papal practice is transmitted imitated actively creative, not passively obedient, ways. methodology suggested as an essential element earlier pontifical manuscripts, that allow readers perceive usages broadest possible context. wholly keeping with priorities scholarship Carolingian era, when books first appear.
Mélanges de l'École française de Rome. Moyen Age