Crawford, S. J., ed., The Old English Version of the Heptateuch, Aelfric's Treatise on the Old and New Testament and his Preface to Genesis (Early English Text Society Original Series 160, 1922 [Rpt. 1997]). ISBN: 859918998
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Text name(s): Heptateuch; Aelfric's Treatise on the Old and New Testament; Preface to Genesis

Number of pages of primary source text: 102

Medieval Author(s): Aelfric

Dates: 980 - 1020

Archival Reference: MS. British Library, Cotton, Claudius B. IV.; MS. Bodleian, Laud Misc. 509.; MS. Cambridge University Library, I i. 1. 33.; MS British Library, Cotton, Otho B. 10.; MS. Lincoln Cathedral Library, 295. 2.; MS. Bodleian, Hatton 115.; MS. Bodley 343

Original Language(s): English - Anglo-Saxon / Old English;

Translation: Original language included.

Translation Comments: Each page contains both the Old English and the modern translation. OE appears at the top of the page, with the translation below. The modern English translation is replaced by Latin when we reach the biblical text.

Geopolitical Region(s): England;

County/Region:

Apparatus: Appendices Bibliography Facsimile Introduction

Comments:

The text itself begins with Aelfric’s introduction to the heptateuch. This text is itself 60 pages, followed by Aelfric’s brief introduction to genesis. Occasionally, the editor gives us variations from two manuscripts side-by-side to show variation. When we reach the biblical texts, we are no longer provided the modern English translation. Instead, Latin is given at the bottom of the page.

Introduction Summary:

The 14-page introduction briefly discussses the title “heptateuch”, and describes the eight manuscripts used for the preparation of this edition. Following this analysis the author provides a table which offers a synopsis of the manuscript authorities. Finally, brief sections on the translation the relationships of the manuscripts, and a bibliography conclude the introduction. Scattered throughout the text are occasional images from one of the manuscripts used in this edition.

Cataloger: mk; KML