This analysis of Cambridge University Library, MS Mm.2.15 indicates some ways in which the English Bible may have been read by social elites during the mid-Tudor period. The presence of the Cambridge manuscript within the royal collection followed a precedent set by several of Edward VI's predecessors, who owned manuscript copies of the Wycliffite Bible. The exclusive status of the Middle English scriptural text changed after printed English bibles became more available, beginning with William Tyndale's New Testament edition in 1526. Despite this proliferation of printed versions of the Bible in English, however, the Cambridge manuscript indicates that privileged readers showed a readiness to adapt older manuscript copies of the text for their use.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
September 1, 2017
Research Article|
September 01 2017
The Royal Provenance and Tudor Courtly Reading of a Wycliffite Bible
Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (2017) 47 (3): 587–597.
Citation
Mark Rankin; The Royal Provenance and Tudor Courtly Reading of a Wycliffite Bible. Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies 1 September 2017; 47 (3): 587–597. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-4200104
Download citation file:
Advertisement