Book Review: The Early Medieval Bible: Its Production, Decoration, and Use
Michael Cahill
Reviewed by: The Early Medieval Bible: Its Production, Decoration and Use Michael Cahill Use. Edited by Richard Gameson. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994. Pp. xiv 1 242. $64.95. This volume is one in the series “Cambridge Studies Palaeography Codicology.” We are informed preface that book originated as a conference held Oxford 1990 under auspices of Seminar History Book to 1500. Seven eleven chapters there, but we not told which. contains following articles: Patrick McGurk, “The oldest manuscripts Latin Bible”; Gameson, Royal 1.B. vii Gospels English production seventh eighth centuries”; David Ganz, “Mass early medieval manuscripts: Carolingian Bibles from Tours”; Rosamond McKitterick, “Carolingian Bible production: Tours anomaly”; Margaret Gibson, Glossed Psalters”; Marsden, Old Testament late Anglo-Saxon England: preliminary observations on textual evidence”; Larry M. Ayres, Italian Giant Bibles: aspects their Touronian ancestry history”; Laura Light, “French c. 1200–30: new look at origins Paris Elizabeth A. Peterson, basis for visual errors French Gothic Psalter illustration”; Erik Petersen, subject object illustration: making manuscript, Hamburg 1255”; Lesley Smith, theology twelfth- thirteenth century Bible.” A feature each articles wrestling with most minute detail hope reaching conclusions will be useful being more generally applicable. Each writers attempts identify trends, all evidence tabled carefully weighed. Gibson’s statement typical: “Here it rash venture even hypothesis, so many libraries remain unexplored” (p. 97). illustrates how hand cannot wash itself; hands disciplines needed. reminded this linkage some fascinating ways. As Ganz discusses dimensions Bibles, he remarks: sheep price await study, has been suggested size required available pasture throughout winter” 55). Similarly, Gameson moves an examination particular gospel analysis social stratification church (pp. 50–52). Ayers demonstrates edition biblical text can driven ecclesiastical politics 154). present reviewer seeks emulate contributors avoiding generalizations. In such range studies every scholar find something interest. I paid special attention reminder McKitterick regard biblica mixta; she calls “continued versions Testament” period 69). found study Psalters truly illuminating evolution Glossa Ordinaria. She reminds us “cast long shadow into twelfth century, where they prototype Ordinaria [End Page 257] whole” 79). Petersen’s includes very description process material book, helpfully illustrated 214). pleasing terms quality physical presentation content. There 68 illustrations black white conveniently distributed relevant chapters, close which discussed. furnished index people places manuscripts, along list. number deal 13th material. Therefore, submit “Early” title inaccurate, needlessly so. valuable spans Middle Ages—Early, High, Late. better would have simply etc. written scholars scholars, will...
Journal of Early Christian Studies