medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear Cecilia,
I can offer one slightly earlier, but perhaps relevant, specific example.
Isabelle of France (1225-1270) the sister of Louis IX, was certainly able to
read Latin. Not only did she own several Latin texts, but her contemporary
biographer Agnes of Harcourt relates that her Latin was so good that
Isabelle would correct her scribes' errors as they wrote letters on her
behalf. Isabelle may also have been the owner of a Psalter and Book of
Hours (now Cambridge Fitzwilliam ms. 300, see S. J. Cockerell, 'A Psalter
and Hours executed before 1270,' London: Chiswick Press, 1905)which is at
least partly in Latin, though offhand I can't recall if there is also French
text. So at least this royal woman would have been able to understand the
Latin she was reciting. Hope this is of some small help in your interesting
project.
Best,
Sean Field
-----Original Message-----
From: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Cecilia Gaposchkin
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 10:04 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [M-R] Royal Literacy in the 14th c
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear all,
I am working on a group of five manuscripts, all Books of Hours produced
between 1320 and 1345, four of which were made for queens or princesses
(actually, probably all five of them were). The question that interests
me is the latinity of these women. Would they have understood the latin
that they were reciting daily? (The rubrics in several of the volumes are
in French). Would they have partly underststood? Memorized just the
words? Might a confessor with the ability to read latin have explained or
translated the prayers?
I am interested, if possible, in specific examples. As far as I know, we
don't know the actual status of these women in particular. (These are:
Jeanne d'Evreux, Jeanne (II) de Navarre, Blanche of Savoy, and Marie de
Navarre) But if there are any good comparanda, I would be grateful.
sincerely,
Cecilia Gaposchkin
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