by Petra Hofmann (College Librarian) Devotional books, Books of Hours in particular, were the “bestsellers” of the late Middle Ages. Indeed, “from the fourteenth to the mid-sixteenth century, more books of hours were made than any other type of book.” (Stein). Books of Hours contain prayers linked to the canonical hours (the hours at whichContinue reading “A Medieval Self-Portrait”
Tag Archives: Gold leaf
The York Bestiary
by Petra Hofmann (College Librarian) The so-called “York Bestiary” (MS 61, produced in early 13th-century York) is a firm favourite with library staff and visitors. Who can resist these charming, often funny and sometimes puzzling illustrations of animals together with a dazzling display of gold? Bestiaries are a combination of natural philosophy passed down theContinue reading “The York Bestiary”
A gift to support William Laud’s bid for President?
by Petra Hofmann (College Librarian) This manuscript of Terence’s Comedies (MS 117), produced in France around 1475, is one of the few manuscripts not produced in England that we hold at St John’s College. It is one of two medieval Terence manuscripts in the Library and one of several with Classics texts. Its beautiful decorationsContinue reading “A gift to support William Laud’s bid for President?”