The Bible of the Poor
[Biblia Pauperum]

A Facsimile and Edition of the British Library Blockbook C.9 d.2

translation and commentary by Albert C. Labriola and John W. Smeltz

 

 

1990 / 200 pages / 40 plates

$38.00s Cloth
$24.00x Paper

0-8207- 0229-3 (Cloth), 0-8207-0230-7 (Paper)
 

Book Information

This first inexpensive edition of The Bible of the Poor reprints a copy of a blockbook in the British Library. Popular from the twelfth to the fifteenth century, The Bible of the Poor was a manual used by friars to instruct the common folk in the fundamentals of the faith. The 40-leaf book presents 120 pictures interrelating the Old and New Testaments, pertinent verses from Scripture, and interpretations by the anonymous compiler. The text is in Latin, but transcriptions and translations into English are provided; a detailed commentary highlights the medieval method of interpreting Scripture.

This volume is the key to understanding how the Bible was taught in the Middle Ages. And as a handbook of biblical illustration and interpretation, The Bible of the Poor is an invaluable resource in studying the various forms of literature, including illuminated manuscripts, painting, sculptures, stained glass, medieval drama and devotional poetry. It is also a handbook for meditation and spirituality.

 

Translation and Commentary

Albert C. Labriola is professor of English at Duquesne University and secretary of the Milton Society of America. He is also the general editor of the Medieval & Renaissance Literary Studies book series. He was recently named the Honored Scholar of the Milton Society of America for 2000.

John W. Smeltz is research associate in English at Duquesne University. Dr. Smeltz specializes in Middle English language and literature, manuscript study and paleography.




 
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Reviews

"Those who are interested in biblical typology will find this a most worthwhile volume."—Louvain Studies

"...[H]andsomely bound and is a true work of art. Every religious studies library needs a copy."—Review and Expositor


Of Related Interest:

The Mirror of Salvation
[Speculum Humanae Salvationis]
An Edition of British Library Blockbook G. 11784

Translation and Commentary by
Albert C. Labriola & John W. Smeltz

July 2001

 

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