Manuscript

British Library, Stowe MS 1067

Codicology

Produced: England, early 12th century
Current Location: British Library, London, England, UK
Manuscript Type: Bestiary
Bestiary Family: First : B-Is
Language: Latin
Folios: 16
Illustrated: Yes
Media: Parchment
Script: Protogothic
Dimensions: Height: 24.5 cm Width: 15 cm
Folio 5v

Description

A bestiary in 44 chapters. The text is derived from the Physiologus with additions from the Etymologies of Isidore of Seville.

Historia Animalium: a Bestiary, agreeing generally in substance with the one, of which many copies are extant, beginning Bestiarum vocabulum proprie convenit, but differing considerably in form. The text begins Leo ex Greco vocabulo inflexum est, the introductory paragraph Bestiarum vocabulum, etc., being added (with variations) in the margin. Forty-three characters are given, with the usual moral lessons annexed to them, and references to the Physiologus. The last two characters are of the stones adamant (diamond) and mermecolion (pearl-oyster) ending with the words alem retributionem recipiunt pro corruptibilibus. With colored initials and 29 simple pen-and-ink drawings, some with touches of color, of the animals described. The blank spaces for the remaining sketches and initials in the latter part of the work were not filled. - [Adapted in part from the British Library description]

Additional Descriptions

Additional description 1
Additional description 2

Editions and Facsimiles

Digital facsimiles

British Library