15 July 2018
It's coming home
There are just a few hours to go before one of the greatest tournaments in the world reaches its glorious, nail-biting outcome. We have witnessed Gallic flair, English optimism and German hubris. And now, everyone, the wait is over. Yes, today is the final of the #ManuscriptWorldCup.
Just for fun, we have been asking our followers on Twitter (@BLMedieval) to choose their favourite manuscripts, from a select list chosen by a panel of pundits. We'll shortly find out which two manuscripts have made it through to the final vote. Here are the eight contenders, the manuscript equivalents of Harry Kane, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johann Cruyff and, um, Manuel Neuer (get back in goal, quick!).
BYZANTIUM
The Theodore Psalter (Constantinople, 1066): Add MS 19352, f. 1r
Pierre Sala’s Petit Livre d’Amour (France, 16th century): Stowe MS 955, f. 17r
Carmina Regia (Tuscany, c. 1335): Royal MS 6 E IX, f. 22r
The Portuguese Genealogy (Lisbon and Bruges, 1530s): Add MS 12531, f. 3
The Luttrell Psalter (England, 14th century): Add MS 42130, f. 202v
Splendor Solis (Germany, 1582): Harley MS 3469, f. 2
Der Naturen Bloeme (Netherlands, 14th century): Add MS 11390
SPAIN
The Silos Apocalypse (Silos, 1091–1109): Add MS 11695, f. 21r
Tickets to watch the final of the #ManuscriptWorldCup have been exchanging hands for, literally, nothing. You can be there in person by joining us on Twitter and making your vote count. It's coming home, at least until next time!
Follow us on Twitter @BLMedieval
Fascinating - the country variations are so apt! But of course the Luttrell Psalter is the easy winner - great movement, layout of the field, brilliant control of the pen and very funny as well.