Before 1500

Abstract

Abstract The findings of the first chapter, which are based largely on qualitative evidence, are supported in the second chapter through a quantitative case study. This case study is centred around the library of Christ Church Canterbury—one of the largest libraries in medieval England and, therefore, a particularly useful one for tracking changes to medieval book collections. Building on existing work on Canterbury’s manuscript collections, this chapter shows that the collections of Christ Church experienced significant loss and renewal in the c.150 years under investigation. Indeed, the evidence suggests that Christ Church lost far more volumes during this period solely to everyday causes—such as borrowing, theft, and deacquisition policies—than it lost during the sectarian tumult that marked the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Authors 1

1. Krista A Milne corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University ,