The Golden Legend Folio Leaves

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], The Golden Legend Folio Leaves, Ms2009-109, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This collection contains five folio leaves from two separate printings of The Golden Legend written by Jacobus de Voragine.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], The Golden Legend Folio Leaves, Ms2009-109, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Golden Legend Folio Leaves come from two separate printings of the text–one leaf from 1498(?) and the other four from 1527. These folio leaves were printed during a time when The Golden Legend was the most frequently printed book in all of Europe (1470-1530). In fact, there are about 900 surviving Golden Legend manuscripts.

The leaves contained in this collection discuss the lives of Saints Rocke, Bernarde, Hugh, Edmonde, and Ypolyte (Hippolytus), as well as the resurrection of Christ and the assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

Biographical / historical:

Jacobus de Voragine was born in Viraggio–a city near Genoa–around 1230. He entered the Order of St. Dominic at a young age and quickly earned a reputation for his piety and zeal for learning. In 1292, de Voragine was elected Archbishop of Genoa and served until his death around 1298.

Jacobus de Voragine wrote The Golden Legend as a dedication to the lives of the saints around 1260. Originally, the work was named "Legenda Sanctorum," but soon became known as the "Legenda Aurea," or "Golden Legend," by the people of the day who believed the work to be worth its weight in gold. While this work is not valued as much for the accuracy with which it deals with the "real" lives of the saints as it is for its value as a cultural icon, the work stands as one of the most important hagiographical texts from the Middle Ages.

Acquisition information:
The Golden Legend Folio Leaves were acquired by Special Collections prior to 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the The Golden Legend Folio Leaves commenced and was completed in July 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard