New Medieval Folio Collection Attracts National Attention

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Folios from a Monastic Psalter, dating from approx. 1220 France.

The University of Arkansas' recently acquired collection of medieval manuscript leaves has attracted the attention of Lisa Fagin Davis, the acting executive director of the Medieval Academy of America. An esteemed paleographer, Davis has highlighted Arkansas' newly purchased collection on Manuscript Road Trip, her widely-followed blog. Although Fred Allsop, a private collector in Little Rock, once held three medieval codices, the only collection of medieval manuscripts in the state now resides at the U of A.

Ranging in date from the 13th century to the late 15th century, the leaves in this collection will allow students to experience the Middle Ages firsthand. The collection contains representatives from many of the most popular religious texts of the Middle Ages, including leaves from a book of hours, a psalter, a missal, the life of St. Eliphius, a bible, and a biblical commentary. Beginning next fall, students can expect to encounter these folios in future classes.

Professor Joshua Smith, a professor of English and faculty member in the medieval and renaissance studies program, won a Teaching Improvement Grant from the Teaching and Faculty Support Center to help pay for the manuscripts. Additional funding was provided by the departments of English, history, religious studies, art history and the University Libraries special collections, as well as a generous contribution by professor Lynda Coon.

Read more about the acquisition at Davis's post on the Manuscript Road Trip.