Produced: England, c 1225-50

Language: Latin

Author: 
Illustrator: 
Scribe: 

Binding: 
Media: Vellum
Script: Littera textualis formata

Folios: 137  Height: 29.8 cm   Width: 19.5 cm

Manuscript type: Bestiary

Location: Bodleian Library (University of Oxford), Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Family: Second

 |  | Folio 12r

Similar to the British Library bestiary Harley MS 4751 but with richer colors. Full color illustrations appear on 123 pages. A peculiarity in this manuscript is an illustration found in only one other bestiary: barnacle geese hanging from trees, as described by Gerald of Wales. The illustrations are masterfully executed; they are some of the best bestiary paintings to be found anywhere.

The descriptions of the barnacle goose, the osprey and the dipper are taken from Topographia Hibernica by Gerald of Wales. Also includes exerpts from the Aviarium of Hugh of Fouilloy (chapters 18-22 with variants, 49-52, 56, 58).  Clark aviary group: Aberdeen.

M. R. James considered the manuscript to have been produced in the late 12th century, though  Hassall says it could be as late as 1230-40;  Clark agrees with the later date.

Printed editions:  Barber, 1992 (translation)

Printed facsimiles:  Bodleian Library, 2008