The homilies that constitute Augustine's commentary are
masterpieces not only of theological profundity, but also of
pastoral engagement. John's gospel allows Augustine to range
broadly over themes that were his life's work the Trinity, the
person of Christ, the nature of the Church and its sacraments, the
fulfilment of the divine plan.
Contents: 'Hic notantur initia euuangeliorum secundum iohannem que
leguntur in ecclesia per annum ut expositiones eorum facile
inueniri possint in hoc uolumine...' (f. i). Aurelii Avgustini
doctoris hiponiensis episcopi omelie in ewangelium domini ihesv
secundum iohannem quas ipse colloquendo prius ad populum habvit et
inter loquendum a notariis ^uel ex^ acceptas eo quo habite sunt
ordine verbum ex verbo postea dictavit (f. 1v-172r).
Extent: ff. i + 172. 410 x 300 mm.
Hand: Protogothic bookhand.
Decoration: The main body of the manuscript opens with the
decorated title page (fol. 1v), with, at top, the ex-libris in
alternate red and black, followed, after four blank lines, with the
title in display lombards in alternate blue, red, and green, with a
gold bar to the left of the text and a pattern of gold leaf-like
swirls to its right. For the text pages, headings in red. Five- and
six-line arabesque initials at the opening of each homily, in blue,
green, red, or gold, very often with black and ochre ink
floral.
Binding: Brown leather, comprised of sewn patches (rather than a
single skin), over bevelled wooden boards (15th century). Sewn on
five thongs, taken into the board, with parchment reinforcing
pieces visible, one of them with text. Nail-holes on both boards
from four corner bosses. On the upper board, the stubs of two red
leather straps; a single nail-hole for each at the centre of the
lower board from the seatings for the clasps. Marks and nails or
holes from three chain staples.
For a detailed description, please see
www.chch.ox.ac.uk/library-and-archives/digital-library.
Provenance: The volume was produced for, and belonged to, Buildwas
abbey. The first indication of a non-abbey provenance is the
inscription: ‘… Millesimo Quingentesi … T⟨h?⟩ … illiams
Iohan Er⟨l? ⟩ […]. This suggests that the book may have been
chained in the parish church of St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol during
the sixteenth century. The volume then passed to George Salteren
(or Saltern). Salteren gave the book to ChCh in 1621.
