Research Catalog

Title

The rationale divinorum officiorum of William Durand of Mende : (a new translation of the prologue and book one) / Timothy M. Thibodeau.

Author

Durand, Guillaume, approximately 1230-1296.

Publication

New York : Columbia University Press, [2007], ©2007.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Additional Authors

Thibodeau, T. M. (Timothy M.)

Description

xxvii, 132 pages; 24 cm.

Summary

"The Rationale divinorum officiorum is arguable the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. Written by the French bishop, William Durand of Mende (1230-1296), the treatise is ranked with the Bible as one of the most frequently copied and disseminated texts in all of medieval Christianity. It served as an encyclopedic compendium and textbook for liturgists and remains an indispensable guide for understanding the significance of medieval ecclesiastical art and worship ceremonies." "This book marks the first English translation of the prologue and book one of the Rationale in almost two centuries. Timothy M. Thibodeau begins with a brief biography of William Durand and a discussion of the importance of the work during its time. Thibodeau compares previous translations of the Rationale in the medieval period and afterward. Then he presents his translation of the prologue and book one. The prologue discusses the principles of allegorical interpretation of the liturgy, while book one features detailed descriptions of the various parts of the church and its ecclesiastical ornaments. It also features extensive commentary on cemeteries, various rites of consecration and dedication, and a discussion of the sacraments." "Thibodeau's translation is an indispensable guide for both scholars and general readers who hope to gain a richer understanding of medieval art, architecture and culture."--BOOK JACKET.

Series Statement

Records of Western civilization

Uniform Title

• Rationale divinorum officiorum. Prologue. English
• Records of Western civilization.

Alternative Title

Rationale divinorum officiorum. Prologue.

Subjects

• Christian art and symbolism
• Church architecture
• Symbolism in architecture

Note

• Translated from the Latin.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. [123]-126) and index.

Contents

Bk. 1. On the Church Building and Ecclesiastical Property and Furnishings; On Consecrations and the Sacraments -- 1. On the church building and its parts -- 2. On the altar -- 3. On the pictures, curtains, and ornaments of the church -- 4. On the bells -- 5. On the cemetery and other sacred and religious places -- 6. On the dedication of a church -- 7. On the dedication of the altar -- 8. On consecrations and unctions -- 9. On the ecclesiastical sacraments.

ISBN

• 9780231141802 (cloth : alk. paper)
• 0231141807 (cloth : alk. paper)
• 9780231512213 (ebook)
• 023151221X (ebook)

LCCN

2007018735

OCLC

• ocn124538667
• 124538667
• SCSB-9416801

Owning Institutions

Columbia University Libraries