MS. Bodl. 450

Summary Catalogue no.: 2398

'Adam the Carthusian' , Speculum Spiritalium (parts 1–4; Sharpe, Latin Writers, s.n.)

Rubric: Liber qui dicitur Speculum Spiritalium

A compilation from many sources by an English monk, as a Christian cyclopaedia of necessary moral knowledge. The whole work was in seven books, of which only the first four are here, each preceded by a list of chapters. Walter Hilton (fol. 18), Richard Rolle of Hampole (fol. 105: in English), the Horologium Sapientiae (fol. 136) and the older fathers are quoted: and there is an index of subjects (Tabula) in a very different but nearly contemporary hand.

Language(s): Latin

Physical Description

Form: codex

Support: parchment

Extent: iv + 204 leaves

Dimensions (binding): 12 × 8.5 in.

Condition

Damaged by damp.

Layout

2 cols.

Decoration

Illuminated capitals.

Binding

Rough red leather on boards, clasps and bosses lost, contemporary Reading work.

History

Origin: 15th century ; English

Provenance and Acquisition

Reading provenance rejected by MLGB (p. 158).

Presented by William Burdet of Sonning, in 1608.

Record Sources

Description adapted (2024) from the Summary Catalogue (1922) with additional reference to published literature as cited.

Summary Catalogue, vol. 2, part 1, p. 348

Abbreviations

View list of abbreviations and editorial conventions.

Last Substantive Revision

2024-11: Description revised to incorporate all information from Summary Catalogue.

A catalogue of Western manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries and selected Oxford colleges