Literacy and the Bible
Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner|Richard Marsden|E. Ann Matter
Balduin II, count of Guines (1169–1206), was passionately interested in science, theology and the interpretation Bible. He used to discuss theological matters quasi litteratus (‘like a literate person’) with masters arts clerics. Additionally, he assembled huge library. However, himself never did learn ‘the letters’. The chronicler Lambert Ardre called him omnino laicus et illitteratus liberalium…omnino ignarus artium (‘a layman every respect illiterate’ ‘without any knowledge liberal arts’). Contemporaries admired his erudition, wondering how had acquired it. provided answer: surrounded clerics who translated for answered questions. In exchange, introduced learned men vernacular stories songs which knew by heart. Obviously, attempted Latin or read books himself. Despite interest all scholarly books, deeply steeped what can be seen as secular culture time, predominantly shaped vernacular. language scholars; if command could read, this remarkable achievement. reported, however, that Balduin's librarian – also become literate, litteratus, count's service.
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