Old English libraries: the making, collection, and use of books during the Middle Ages

About this book

"Old English Libraries" by Ernest A. Savage is a historical account published in the early 20th century. It explores the making, collection, and use of books during the Middle Ages, specifically within the context of English libraries and monastic life. The book likely delves into the significance of books in fostering literary culture during this period, highlighting the role of monastic institutions in preserving and promoting knowledge. The opening of the book introduces the importance of books in early Irish monasteries, emphasizing their dual role as tools for spiritual devotion and intellectual pursuit. Savage discusses the historical development of monastic practices that prioritized literary study, detailing figures like St. Patrick and St. Columba as pivotal in this transformation. The text sets the stage for understanding how these early practices laid the groundwork for the emergence of libraries and the culture of book-making in England, alongside the varied influences of monasticism that shaped educational endeavors throughout the Middle Ages.