<i>William Durand</i>, On the Clergy and Their Vestments: <i>A New Translation of Books 2 and 3 of the</i> Rationale divinorum officiorum (review)
Maureen C. Miller
Reviewed by: William Durand, On the Clergy and Their Vestments: A New Translation of Books 2 3 Rationale divinorum officiorum Maureen C. Miller officiorum. Translated with an introduction by Timothy M. Thibodeau. (Scranton: University Scranton Press. Distrib. Chicago 2010. Pp. xii, 262. $35.00 paperback. ISBN 978-1-589-66191-2.) The officiorum, compiled c. 1292-96 bishop Mende, was high-medieval synthesis a long important tradition liturgical commentaries. From Carolingian era, these commentaries were key tool in education formation Western clergy. production closely linked to reform initiatives, Durand his after particularly fruitful period development genre. He drew heavily on treatises Lothario Segni (the future Pope Innocent III), Sicardus Cremona, Auxerre. comprehensiveness Durand's made it medieval "best seller"; himself issued two editions that survive more than 139 manuscripts. This new translation part very work, therefore, is most welcome. translator, Thibodeau, worked critical edition text Anselme Davril, O.S.B., series Corpvs Christianorvm Continuatio Mediævalis so knows this material intimately. published prologue book I, which treats church buildings furnishings as well their dedications consecrations (New York, 2007). now provides volume, covering II ecclesiastical orders offices (from cantor bishop) III vestments, insignia, other equipment. Thibodeau gives straightforward historical should be easily comprehensible undergraduates seminarians alike. faithful own workmanlike prose errs only some minutia vesture (e.g., p. 172: compagi are not "boots," but elegant black leather slippers depicted numerous late-antique mosaics). Scholars using will want keep things mind. First, for anything regarding learned Jesuit Joseph Braun's Die liturgische Gewandung (Freiburg, 1907) still essential (for example, or campagi, 385). encyclopedic erudite guide far superior any language its indices ease consultation. Second, annotation here—although perfectly appropriate primary audience students seminarians—does convey full richness sources. That available apparatus edition, scholarly use rely abbreviated notes here. certainly makes salutary contribution study history. Those interested history Holy Orders, clerical education, culture Christendom find [End Page 781] rewarding. has provided, moreover, inviting gateway rich genre One can hope many enter it. California, Berkeley Copyright © 2011 Catholic America Press
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