British Library, Royal MS 13 B VIII
(Topographia Hibernica / Expugnatio Hibernica / Itinerarium Kambriae)
Codicology
| Produced: | England (Lincoln?), c. 1196-1223 |
| Current Location: | British Library, London, England, UK |
| Manuscript Type: | Travel Narrative |
| Language: | Latin |
| Folios: | 147 |
| Author: | Giraldus Cambrensis |
| Illustrated: | Yes |
| Media: | Parchment |
| Script: | Gothic |
| Dimensions: | Height: 27.5 cm Width: 19 cm |
Description
Three texts by Gerald of Wales are included:
- Topographia Hibernica (Topography of Ireland) (folio 1r-34v)
- Expugnatio Hibernica (Conquest of Ireland) (folio 34v-74r)
- Itinerarium Kambriae (Itinerary of Wales) (folio 74v-100v)
The Topographia Hibernica has references to animals, some mythical. This is version 3 of the text.
Decoration: 45 marginal miniatures in colors and tinted drawing of animals, habits of people, and wonders of Ireland.
[From the British Library catalog]
Probably made at Lincoln under Giraldus Cambrensis' supervision. Owned by St Augustine's, Canterbury (ex libris second half of 14th century, f.147). Old Royal press mark no. 1116 (f.1) and in Royal catalog of 1666 (f.21). Transferred as part of the Royal Library to the British Museum by George II in 1757. This volume contains marginal illustrations to the "Topographia Hibernica" which are of great importance to the early history of authorial illustration. Gerald (died 1223) composed the Topography of Ireland in between 1186 and 1188, after his travels in Ireland in 1183 and with Prince John in 1185. He produced a second edition before Henry II's death in 1189, followed by a third, fourth and various 'late' editions before his death in 1223.
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