Item Info

Script: Gothic bookhand
Language: Latin
Folio Number: ff. 489v-490r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: Opening with the Epistles to Philemon and to the Hebrews
Notes: The thirteenth century saw the development of small, portable bibles. Romanesque bibles had been large-format, grand productions. In order to create an easily carried, single-volume bible the script became extremely small. In this example, the scribe wrote twelve lines to the inch. This was also a time that bibles acquired the standardized chapter numbers that we find in modern bibles. The Roman numerals that appear in the margins indicate the change of chapter.

Because so much had to be written in a small space, these portable bibles contain very little, if any, illustration. Although there is no figural imagery, the manuscript is still quite decorative, with red and blue chapter numbers and running titles and elaborate flourished initials.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1583567
Country: Country:England

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1250
Image Dimensions Width: 142 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 30