The Practice of the Bible in the Middle Ages: Production, Reception, and Performance in Western Christianity

by Susan Boynton (Editor), Diane J. Reilly (Editor)

In this volume, specialists in literature, theology, liturgy, manuscript studies, and history introduce the medieval culture of the Bible in Western Christianity. Emphasizing the living quality of the text and the unique literary traditions that arose from it, they show the many ways in which the Bible was read, performed, recorded, and interpreted by various groups in medieval Europe. An initial orientation introduces the origins, components, and organization of medieval Bibles. Subsequent chapters address the use of the Bible in teaching and preaching, the production and purpose of Biblical manuscripts in religious life, early vernacular versions of the Bible, its influence on medieval historical accounts, the relationship between the Bible and monasticism, and instances of privileged and practical use, as well as the various forms the text took in different parts of Europe. The dedicated merging of disciplines, both within each chapter and overall in the book, enable readers to encounter the Bible in much the same way as it was once on multiple levels and registers, through different lenses and screens, and always personally and intimately.

364 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2011

Reviews

[Matthew Frack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book on this topic, that went into a good amount of detail and looked at how topic from a range of perspectives, times, and places. The introduction and first chapter, in particular, were excellent, giving a thorough background to the Bible and liturgy during the Middle Ages. My main complaint with the book was that I didn't feel all of the chapters were as interesting or as useful as others, and also that there was no particular structure to the book. Since all the chapters are articles by different authors, this is understandable, but at the same time I felt it was a weakness.

[Hayden Lukas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every essay is very digestible. Perfect lengths. Very interesting material.