Between Seligenstadt and St. Bavo's Abbey, Ghent: Making a Collection out of Einhard's Letters
Georges Declercq
The letter collection of Einhard, biographer Charlemagne, is preserved in a unique but badly damaged manuscript dating from the third quarter ninth century. This was most probably copied out St. Bavo's Abbey Ghent between 853/60 and 879, though contrary to general assumption, itself not compiled at Bavo's. In this paper, I argue that originated as letter-formulary Seligenstadt, where Einhard spent last years his life. core (letters 1-54 manuscript) appears have been assembled around 834 or 835, possibly by Ratleik, who served notary 827 latest. would explain why letters date period after 828. Einhard's years, several more were added 55-64). Shortly death (840), copy sent Bavo's, number neither nor addressed 65-70). century, model for extant copy, which some degree selective. also that, essentially, owe their survival potential be used models practical correspondence. As are, fact, anonymous (Einhard's name systematically abbreviated its initial letter), they "great Einhard," epistolary models. A comparison with Alcuin collections shows Carolingian period, had authority reputation contemporary.
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