Hesburgh Libraries

Spotlight Exhibit — Language and Materiality in Late Medieval England

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – Monday, May 1, 2023

Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm

102 Hesburgh Library, Rare Books & Special Collections

The materials here show the movement and transformation of late Middle English texts from the manuscript culture of the fifteenth century through the advent of early printing and even into the seventeenth century. The vibrance, individuality, and unique characteristics present in manuscripts transmit the distinctive features of regional dialect, artwork, and script. There’s always a bit of the scribe’s own voice in every English text. The distinctive personality of each manuscript book from its origin to its afterlife continues to thrive centuries later whether on a shelf or recycled into something new. However, the very exceptionality of these manuscript books is transformed during the age of printing. The attempts of printers to standardize language, satisfy consumer demand through mass production and its inherent stock imagery pervades the originality of the very objects they seek to imitate and improve.

This exhibit is curated by David T. Gura, Curator, Ancient and Medieval Manuscripts. This and other exhibits within the Hesburgh Libraries are generously supported by the McBrien Special Collections Endowment.

All exhibits are free and open to the public during business hours.

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284 Hesburgh Library, Notre Dame, IN 46556

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Phone Number: (574) 631-6679