The Latin gospelbook,<i>c</i>. 600–1200
Dorothy Shepard|Richard Marsden|E. Ann Matter
In the Latin West between 600 and 1200, four books of Christian Gospels were copied more often received elaborate decoration than any other text, except perhaps for Psalms. The importance given to production medieval gospelbooks – manuscripts containing their associated texts reflects themselves in narrating earthly life Christ fact that they are simplest expression ‘good tidings’ salvation (Mark 1:1, quoting Isa. 61:1). During period, appeared many types manuscript, too, apart from gospelbooks. These include, obviously, Bible pandects complete New Testaments, but also, because readings used most forms worship, into various book performance liturgy. daily round services throughout liturgical year, use a specific passage (pericope) assigned each day had replaced practice reading sequentially beginning end (lectio continua) by seventh century. Catering this need evangelistaries (also called gospel lectionaries or pericope books), volumes full Mass arranged according as well Old Testament Pauline Epistles, all which written out Office. They became increasingly popular Carolingian period onwards. A few surviving sacramentaries, setting words be spoken priest celebrating Mass, also contain readings.
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