<i>The Old English Homily: Precedent, Practice and Appropriation</i> (review)
Pamela O'Neill
Reviewed by: The Old English Homily: Precedent, Practice and Appropriation Pamela O'Neill Kleist, Aaron J., ed., (Studies in the Early Middle Ages, 17), Turnhout, Brepols, 2007; hardback; pp. xiii, 532; R.R.P. €90.00; ISBN 9782503517926. This collection of essays styles itself as an update to Szarmach Huppé's 1978 Homily its Backgrounds. new generation scholars represented here certainly provide a wealth information, ideas analysis. scope this volume is broader than collection, collocating discussions ranging from Latin precedents for homilies Tudor Stuart antiquarianism. papers are arranged three sections. In 'Precedent', Charles D. Wright gives lengthy very detailed discussion approaches sources homilies, discussing issues surrounding range uses these direct translation borrowing blending themes. Most section consists close analysis various homiletic collections. Nancy M. Thompson suggests that Blickling Book, which incorporates other material, draws inspiration Carolingian De Festivitatibus. Ælfric's Testament materials focus Rachel Anderson's paper, examines approach adopted by Ælfric liberally blended with interpretation. recurring theme, Stephen J. Harris assessing rogationtide liturgical context homilies. Joyce Hill some interesting conclusions about possible versions Paul Deacon would have been available Ælfric. 'Practice', discussed Toswell. His examination codicology manuscript leads him important [End Page 227] conclusion consideration unified whole inappropriate, since it was almost not created or used way. Samantha Zacher looks at Vercelli suggesting that, far being poor cousins poetic texts manuscript, highly accomplished clear purpose function. Thomas N. Hall, surveying manuscripts contemporaneous Ælfric, concludes followed mainstream European practice preparing on saints reading during monastic night office. homily Cecilia Robert K. Upchurch demonstrate blurring distinction between lay priestly audiences their quest spiritual purity. Loredana Teresi poses question 'Ælfric's not?' temporale collections, but fact makes broad informative survey Proper arrangement Andy Orchard leavens Ælfric-heavy refreshing review Wulfstan-related context. alliterative claim Wulfstan's 'literary legacy has languished' (p. 341) rather borne out under-representation Wulfstan volume. 'Appropriation', subsequent Anglo-Saxon eleventh seventeenth centuries discussed. Mary P. Richards analyses reuse material poem Seasons Fasting conclude wholly derivative, old applied purposes. Aidan Conti reviews newly discovered connection MS Bodley 343 Homiliary Angers, argues extensive twelfth century, when few were produced, had less do antiquarian motivations strong interest preaching English. theme also taken up Swan, whose investigation MSS Lambeth Palace 487 Cotton Vespasian A.XXII ranges widely across such questions column rulings quires (a welcome development work area tends overly privilege text) single interpretation intended oral delivery, use private productive. Christopher Abram moves beyond shores investigate seriously under-studied field Norse-Icelandic significant influence there. book's editor, completes interest...
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