Chapter extracts from Ludolphus of Saxony's 'Life of Christ' (Vita Christi)

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 338 MS 41
  • Former Reference
      GB 338 MSS/041
  • Dates of Creation
      1401-1500
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
      Latin
  • Physical Description
      325x215mm 1 volume Wooden boards, covered in pigskin binding, embossed and dated 1749.

Scope and Content

Chapters 51-89 of Ludolphus of Saxony's Life of Christ.

Administrative / Biographical History

Ludolf of Saxony (c.1300-1378). Ludolf originally joining the Dominican Order and became a Master of Theology before joining the Carthusians in 1340. The 'Vita Christi' is not a standard biography but a meditation on the life of Christ, with doctrinal, spiritual and moral instructions as well as prayers and extensive patristic citations. It became very popular in the later middle ages.

Access Information

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Researchers are required to book an appointment before their visit, through specialcollections@le.ac.uk or 0116 252 2056.

Note

This manuscript was written in Germany in the 15th century. It is in Latin in several hands and includes the ex libris of the Abbey of St. Maximinius, Trier in a scribes hand. (ff.108 and 236) Illuminated initial and coloured margin on f.1, and penwork initials throughout.

Other Finding Aids

'A handlist of the manuscript collection'. Compiled by Brian Burch and Jenny Clark. Leicester : Leicester University Library, 1998. Ker, N.R. 'Medieval manuscripts in British libraries'. Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1969-1983. Vol.III, pp.98-99. 'The Oxford dictionary of the Christian church'. Edited by F.L. Cross, third edition, edited by E.A. Livingstone. Oxford : Oxford University Press, 1997. p.1004.

Archivist's Note

Former reference MS041.

Description prepared by Andrew Lacey.