Re-using Manuscripts in Late Medieval England: Repairing, Recycling, Sharing

A new appraisal of late medieval manuscript culture in England, examining how people sustained older books, crafted manuscripts, repaired, recycled, and shared them. Drawing on codicological evidence and historical accounts, it presents case studies of parchment production, recycling, margin reuse, and second-hand book exchanges, arguing that books were made, used, and re-used in sustainable ways.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: York Medieval Press

During the remarkable fifteenth century (spanning from 1375 to 1530), the demand for books in England experienced a remarkable surge. The flourishing book trade, driven by rapid advancements, resulted in an abundance of literary treasures. Notably, fragments of manuscripts found new life as flyleaves and other components in the creation of new books. Simultaneously, medieval manuscripts underwent repairs, recycling, and re-use, contributing to the sustainability of the literary heritage.

This monograph delves into the intricate ways in which individuals sustained older books, exploring the diverse practices and processes involved in manuscript crafting, repair, preservation, marking, gifting, and sharing. By drawing upon a comprehensive survey of extant manuscript collections, in conjunction with historical accounts, recipes, and literary texts, it presents detailed case studies that examine parchment production and recycling, the re-use of margins, and second-hand exchanges of books. Through its engagement with the evidence inscribed within and on surviving books, this work offers a fresh appraisal of late medieval manuscript culture in England. It explores how people approached the re-use of books, highlighting the myriad sustainable ways in which books were made, utilized, and repurposed throughout this period.

The fifteenth century witnessed a remarkable transformation in the book trade, with the emergence of print technology leading to the mass production of printed books. However, it is important to note that the demand for manuscripts remained strong throughout this period. Manuscripts continued to hold cultural and scholarly value, and individuals sought ways to preserve and maintain these valuable resources.

One significant aspect of manuscript sustainability was the practice of repairing and recycling damaged or worn-out manuscripts. Skilled scribes and bookbinders would carefully repair torn pages, mend broken spines, and restore the integrity of the manuscript. In some cases, they would even repurpose fragments of manuscripts by incorporating them into new books or creating new compositions. This practice not only extended the lifespan of individual manuscripts but also contributed to the preservation of literary heritage.

Another practice that played a role in manuscript sustainability was the re-use of margins. Manuscripts often featured blank spaces in the margins, which were repurposed for various purposes. These margins could be used for notes, annotations, or additional text, allowing individuals to personalize their reading experience and contribute to the manuscript's content. Additionally, margins could be filled with decorative elements, such as illustrations or initials, adding visual interest and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the manuscript.

The re-use of margins was not limited to individual readers but also involved second-hand exchanges of books. Scholars, clergy, and other literate individuals would exchange books with each other, allowing for the circulation of knowledge and the preservation of literary traditions. This exchange facilitated the sharing of ideas, the dissemination of knowledge, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Manuscripts were also marked, gifted, and shared in various ways. Inscriptions and annotations were often added to manuscripts to provide information about their ownership, provenance, or content. These inscriptions could be written by the author, a scribe, or a reader, adding a personal touch to the manuscript and providing insights into its history and significance. Manuscripts were also gifted to individuals or institutions as a means of preserving and promoting literary heritage.

Furthermore, manuscripts were often shared through public performances, such as readings or lectures. These performances allowed individuals to engage with the text and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. They also served as a means of promoting literacy and education, as they provided an opportunity for people to learn and grow.

In conclusion, the fifteenth century in England witnessed a flourishing book trade, resulting in an abundance of literary treasures. Manuscripts played a vital role in sustaining older books, and individuals employed diverse practices and processes to ensure their preservation and circulation. Repairing and recycling damaged manuscripts, re-using margins for notes and annotations, engaging in second-hand exchanges of books, and marking, gifting, and sharing manuscripts were all important aspects of manuscript sustainability. These practices not only extended the lifespan of individual manuscripts but also contributed to the preservation of literary heritage and the sharing of knowledge. The fifteenth century serves as a testament to the enduring value of manuscripts and the creative ways in which people have approached the re-use of books throughout history.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 176 x 252 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914049064