Item Info

Script: Gothic bookhand
Language: Latin
Folio Number: f. 1r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: Beginning of Genesis
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 ten 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: 1583569
Country: Country:England
City/Town/Township:Oxford ?

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1250
Image Dimensions Width: 212 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 32