Libellus precum

A libellus precum (literally "booklet of prayings, booklet of petitions", plural: libelli precum) is a medieval collection of prayers, a prayerbook, in the manuscript form, although the term is applied by scholars to texts of some other types. The beginning of the scholarship recognizing them as a distinct type of literature is attributed to André Wilmart. [1] The Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages says they are coming mainly from the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic lands.[2]

Typically libelli precum are unique texts, varying in prayers collected. The texts of prayers may be or may not be unique.[1]

Notable examples include Ælfwine's Prayerbook, folia Gertudiana, the prayerbook of Princess Gertrude of Poland included into the Egbert Psalter, Nawojka's Prayerbook [pl]

Usage as text titles

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There are several historical texts referred to by the title Libellus Precum (in both meanings):

References

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  1. ^ a b Susan Boynton, " LIBELLI PRECUM IN THE CENTRAL MIDDLE AGES", In: A History of Prayer, pp. 255–318, doi:10.1163/ej.9789004171220.i-460.69
    • A review of literature on libelli precum; includes influential references
  2. ^ Libelli precum, In: Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages, 2005, ISBN 9780227679319
  3. ^ Shahan, Thomas. "Pope St. Damasus I." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 29 Sept. 2017