Somerset Mediaeval Libraries (Classic Reprint)

Thomas Webb Williams

ISBN 10: 1331967325 / ISBN 13: 9781331967323

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the world of medieval libraries, offering a fascinating glimpse into how books were treasured and used during a time when knowledge was primarily preserved in handwritten manuscripts. The author meticulously examines the physical structure of libraries, from scriptoria where monks painstakingly copied texts to the meticulous craft of binding and illuminating manuscripts. The book explores the daily lives of scribes and the regulations surrounding their work, highlighting the importance placed on accuracy and silence. It then delves into the broader intellectual context, discussing the prescribed course of study for monks and the different types of texts they valued, including theological works, philosophical treatises, and even works of classical literature. The author goes beyond simply cataloguing books, revealing the intricate relationships between libraries, the Church, and society. He sheds light on the dangers that books faced, from fire and theft to the practice of stripping valuable bindings from manuscripts for their precious materials. This book provides a valuable and engaging journey into the fascinating world of medieval libraries, offering unique insights into the preservation, use, and significance of knowledge during a pivotal period in history. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781331967323_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Somerset Mediaeval Libraries (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331967325
• ISBN 13: 9781331967323
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Medieval UK and Ireland History

About this title

Synopsis

Exploring Somerset’s medieval books and libraries

A detailed survey of county libraries, manuscripts, and their provenances before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This book offers a careful, local-focused look at how books were kept, moved, and valued in Somerset’s communities. It gathers lists, notes, and commentary to show what medieval libraries looked like and how they changed over time. The volume emphasizes original sources and provides context for researchers, students, and local historians interested in the book culture of the region.

• an overview of county libraries and their manuscripts
• provenance and ownership details that illuminate medieval book history
• internal organization, appendices, and indexes to support further study
• references to major collections and local institutions shaping Somerset’s literary landscape

Ideal for readers of local history, medieval studies, and librarianship who want a solid, evidence-based view of Somerset’s pre-Dissolution libraries.