Hands and Script in Glasgow University Library MS Hunter 5091

Abstract

[Abstract] The history behind the composition of a manuscript can help to shed light on different aspects of it, such as date, location, or the purpose for which the book was produced. Thus, this paper takes into consideration the handwriting of a selected scientific manuscript in Middle English, Glasgow University Library MS Hunter 509, in order to ascertain some of these aspects. First, the text under investigation will be briefly described and the methodology explained. Secondly, the hands which appear throughout the text will be provided and the identity of the copyist and owners traced. An account of the main aspects of their biography will be supplied. Then, the different types of script, mainly anglicana and secretary, will be put forward and discussed in relation to the manuscript under consideration. Finally, the conclusions are included.