Before 1500

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the ways in which manuscripts were destroyed prior to the Reformation, and the relative significance of this destruction. New evidence drawn from bishops’ registers, book inventories, and recycled manuscript fragments shows that manuscripts were frequently decommissioned and recycled during the medieval period, and not only due to wear. Although they are often depicted as conservative preservers of ancient wisdom, medieval institutions renewed their book collections in response to changing practices, scripts, language use, and educational aims. The evidence presented here indicates that the destruction of manuscripts was relatively common prior to the Reformation. Most at risk of destruction were manuscripts that were 50 to 200 years old—those that had neither the cachet of the new nor the prestige of the old.

Authors 1

1. Krista A Milne corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University ,