Bernhard Bischoff (1906-1991) was one of the most renowned scholars of medieval palaeography of the twentieth century. His most outstanding contribution to learning was in the field of Carolingian studies, where his work is based on the catalogue of all extant ninth-century manuscripts and fragments. In this book, Michael Gorman has selected and translated seven of his classic essays on aspects of eighth- and ninth-century culture. They include an investigation of the manuscript evidence and the role of books in the transmission of culture from the sixth to the ninth century, and studies of the court libraries of Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. Bischoff also explores centres of learning outside the court in terms of the writing centres and the libraries associated with major monastic and cathedral schools respectively. This rich collection provides a full, coherent study of Carolingian culture from a number of different yet interdependent aspects, providing insights for scholars and students alike.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Preface; List of abbreviations; Map: writing centres and writing provinces in the age of Charlemagne; 1. Manuscripts in the early Middle Ages; 2. Manuscripts in the age of Charlemagne; 3. The court library of Charlemagne; 4. The court library under Louis the Pious; 5. Libraries and schools in the Carolingian revival of learning; 6. Palaeography and the transmission of classical texts in the early Middle Ages; 7. Benedictine monasteries and the survival of classical literature; Bernhard Bischoff, bibliography, 1981-1993; Index of manuscripts; Index of authorities cited; General index.