Survival of Old English Manuscripts
Overview: Almost all surviving Old English poetry is preserved in just four manuscripts (codices) dating from the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Understanding these sources is fundamental for any student of Anglo-Saxon literature.
1. The Beowulf Manuscript (Cotton Vitellius A. XV)
This manuscript is the sole source of the epic poem Beowulf. It also contains Judith and prose works like The Life of Saint Christopher.
- Date: Written circa 1000 AD.
- Discovery: It was officially "discovered" and cataloged in 1705 AD (Wanley's Catalog).
- Condition: It was damaged in the Ashburnham House fire of 1731, leading to charred edges.
🎯 Asked in UGC NET English The Beowulf Manuscript was written c.1000 AD and discovered in 1705 AD.
2. The Junian Manuscript (MS Junius 11)
Also known as the "Cædmon Manuscript," this volume contains biblical poetry formerly attributed to Cædmon, including Genesis, Exodus, Daniel, and Christ and Satan.
- Discovery: Found by Franciscus Junius in 1681.
- Content: Illustrated biblical paraphrases.
3. The Exeter Book (Codex Exoniensis)
This is the largest and most diverse collection of Old English poetry, containing The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Ruin, and nearly 100 Riddles.
- History: Donated to Exeter Cathedral by Bishop Leofric circa 1050 AD.
- Survival: It famously survived despite being used as a cutting board and suffering burn marks in later centuries.
🎯 Asked in UGC NET English The Exeter Book has been preserved in Exeter Cathedral since c.1050 AD.
4. The Vercelli Book
This manuscript contains both poetry (such as Andreas, Elene, and The Dream of the Rood) and prose homilies.
- Location: Discovered in the cathedral library of Vercelli, near Milan, Italy, in 1832.
- Mystery: It is still debated how an Anglo-Saxon manuscript ended up in Italy (likely carried by a pilgrim on the way to Rome).
🎯 Asked in UGC NET English The Vercelli Book was discovered near Milan in 1832.
Historical Manuscript Facsimile (Representative of Old English Prose/Verse)