An Leabhar Breac
Encyclopedia
Leabhar Breac ("Speckled Book"), now less commonly Leabhar Mór Dúna Doighre (The Great Book of Dun Doighre") or possibly erroneously, Leabhar Breac Mic Aodhagáin ("The Speckled Book of the MacEgans"), is a medieval Irish vellum manuscript containing Middle Irish and Hiberno-Latin
writings. The manuscript is held in the library of the Royal Irish Academy
in Dublin, where it is catalogued as RIA
MS 23 P 16 or 1230. It was most probably compiled by Murchadh (Riabach) Ó Cuindlis
of Bally Lough Deacker, at Duniry between the years 1408 and 1411. Duniry
— Dún Daighre, Dún Doighre — in eastern Clanricarde
(now east County Galway
) is situated about half-an-hour's drive south-east of the town of Loughrea
, and in the medieval era was home to a branch of the bardic Clann Mac Aodhagáin
(the MacEgans), who served as brehons for the O'Connors of Clanricarde.
, brother of the Four Masters, who copied pp. 272–7. The book passed into the possession of Eamon Ó Ceallaigh (Co. Roscommon) in 1732, then of Dr. John O'Brien
by 1768 and finally of Cornelius O'Daly (Mitchelstown, Co. Cork). The Royal Irish Academy
acquired the first volume in 1789, when General Charles Vallancey
purchased it for the academy for 3 guineas
from Cornelius O'Daly. O'Daly also owned the second volume, which comprises nine leaves, but was unaware that it belonged to the larger volume. In 1789, this volume was acquired by Chevalier O'Gorman
, by George Smith of College Green in the next century and by the Academy sometime after 1844. The manuscript is held in the Academy's library in Dublin to this day.
, Saint Columba
, Saint Brigid, Saint Cellach, and Saint Martin
, the earliest version of Félire Óengusso ("Martyrology of Óengus"), the Rule of the Céli Dé, Aislinge Meic Con Glinne
("The Vision of Mac Conglinne"), Saltair na Rann
, Stair Nicomeid ("Gospel of Nicodemus"), Amra Choluim Chille, a Marian litany
, and various ecclesiastical legends, hymns, catecheses and homilies. Exceptions to the predominantly religious contents are Sanas Cormaic
("Cormac's Glossary") and a history of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great.
by a certain Murchad Ua Madagáin. A persistent object of complaint for the writer is the weather, in particular the cold. Based on the notes, Tomás Ó Concheanainn has been able to reconstruct the time span in which certain sections had been written. For instance, it took the scribe about 6 weeks to write 35 pages (pp. 141–75), while some parts proved more challenging, such as a column for a poem with interlinear glosses, which cost him a day.
Hiberno-Latin
Hiberno-Latin, also called Hisperic Latin, was a learned sort of Latin literature created and spread by Irish monks during the period from the sixth century to the tenth century.-Vocabulary and Influence:...
writings. The manuscript is held in the library of the Royal Irish Academy
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
in Dublin, where it is catalogued as RIA
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
MS 23 P 16 or 1230. It was most probably compiled by Murchadh (Riabach) Ó Cuindlis
Murchadh Ó Cuindlis
Murchadh Ó Cuindlis, Irish scribe, fl. 1398 – 1411.Said to be a native of Bally Lough Deacker in what is now the extreme south of Co. Galway, Ó Cuindlis was one of the scribes of The Book of Lecan under the guidance of Gilla Isa Mor mac Donnchadh MacFhirbhisigh, and later An Leabhar Breac at...
of Bally Lough Deacker, at Duniry between the years 1408 and 1411. Duniry
Duniry
Duniry is a small village between Tynagh and Abbey. It was built beside a large bog known now as Limehill bog. This was the main trade of Duniry at the time....
— Dún Daighre, Dún Doighre — in eastern Clanricarde
Clanricarde
Clanricarde was a term meaning both a territory and a title in Ireland between the 13th and early 20th centuries.-Territory:The territory, in what is now County Galway, Ireland, stretched from the barony of County Clare in the north-west along the borders of County Mayo, to the River Shannon in the...
(now east County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
) is situated about half-an-hour's drive south-east of the town of Loughrea
Loughrea
Loughrea is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The town lies north of a range of wooded hills, the Slieve Aughty Mountains.The town expanded in recent years as it increasingly becomes a commuter town for the city of Galway.- Name :...
, and in the medieval era was home to a branch of the bardic Clann Mac Aodhagáin
Mac Aodhagáin
Mac Aodhagáin was the name of an Irish family of Brehons who were hereditary lawyers - firstly to the Ó Conchobhair Kings of Connacht, and later to the Burkes of Clanricarde....
(the MacEgans), who served as brehons for the O'Connors of Clanricarde.
History
In the 16th-century, the manuscript was in the possession of the Mac Egans of Duniry, hence the older title Leabhar Mór Dúna Doighre. In 1629, when the manuscript was held in the convent of Cenél Féichín (Connacht), it was consulted by Mícheál Ó CléirighMícheál Ó Cléirigh
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh , sometimes known as Michael O'Clery, was an Irish chronicler, scribe and antiquary and chief author of the Annals of the Four Masters, assisted by Cú Choigcríche Ó Cléirigh, Fearfeasa Ó Maol Chonaire, and Peregrinus Ó Duibhgeannain.-Background and early life:Grandson of Tuathal...
, brother of the Four Masters, who copied pp. 272–7. The book passed into the possession of Eamon Ó Ceallaigh (Co. Roscommon) in 1732, then of Dr. John O'Brien
John O'Brien
- Public life :* John O'Brien , New Zealand political candidate and party leader* John O'Brien , far right figure, onetime leader of the British National Front...
by 1768 and finally of Cornelius O'Daly (Mitchelstown, Co. Cork). The Royal Irish Academy
Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy , based in Dublin, is an all-Ireland, independent, academic body that promotes study and excellence in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions and currently has around 420 Members, elected in...
acquired the first volume in 1789, when General Charles Vallancey
Charles Vallancey
General Charles Vallancey FRS was a British military surveyor sent to Ireland. He remained there and became an authority on Irish antiquities, though his theories were later judged to be fanciful and groundless.-Early life:...
purchased it for the academy for 3 guineas
Guinea (British coin)
The guinea is a coin that was minted in the Kingdom of England and later in the Kingdom of Great Britain and the United Kingdom between 1663 and 1813...
from Cornelius O'Daly. O'Daly also owned the second volume, which comprises nine leaves, but was unaware that it belonged to the larger volume. In 1789, this volume was acquired by Chevalier O'Gorman
Chevalier O'Gorman
Tomás, Chevalier O'Gorman, Irish soldier and genealogist, 1732-1809.Born in Castletown, County Clare, the son of Patrick O'Gorman. His first language was Irish. He was educated as a Medical Doctor at the Irish College, Paris...
, by George Smith of College Green in the next century and by the Academy sometime after 1844. The manuscript is held in the Academy's library in Dublin to this day.
Description
The manuscript is of a large size, measuring 40.5 cm x 28 cm, which makes it the largest Irish vellum manuscript to have been written by a single scribe. It contains 40 folios, which are written in double columns. Capitals are decorated in a simple style, with some letters having been interwoven with zoomorphic patterns and coloured in red, vermilion, yellow and blue. There are two drawings, a flower-like diagram on p. 121 and a drawing of the Crucifixion on p. 166.Contents
The manuscript consists almost entirely of religious writings in Latin and Middle Irish. It includes homiletic Lives of Saint PatrickSaint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a Romano-Briton and Christian missionary, who is the most generally recognized patron saint of Ireland or the Apostle of Ireland, although Brigid of Kildare and Colmcille are also formally patron saints....
, Saint Columba
Saint Columba
-Saints:* Columba , Irish Christian saint who evangelized Scotland* Columba the Virgin, also known as Saint Columba of Cornwall* Columba of Sens* Columba of Spain* Columba of Terryglass* Sancta Columba -Schools:...
, Saint Brigid, Saint Cellach, and Saint Martin
Martin of Tours
Martin of Tours was a Bishop of Tours whose shrine became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Around his name much legendary material accrued, and he has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints...
, the earliest version of Félire Óengusso ("Martyrology of Óengus"), the Rule of the Céli Dé, Aislinge Meic Con Glinne
Aislinge Meic Con Glinne
Aislinge Meic Con Glinne is a Middle Irish tale of anonymous authorship, generally believed to have been written in the late 11th/early 12th century...
("The Vision of Mac Conglinne"), Saltair na Rann
Saltair na Rann
The title Saltair na Rann “Psalter of Quatrains” refers to a series of 150 early Middle Irish religious cantos, written in the tenth century. Together they narrate the sacred history of the world, from its creation down to the last days of humanity...
, Stair Nicomeid ("Gospel of Nicodemus"), Amra Choluim Chille, a Marian litany
Marian litany
A Marian litany, in Christian worship, is a form of prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary used in church services and processions, and consisting of a number of petitions....
, and various ecclesiastical legends, hymns, catecheses and homilies. Exceptions to the predominantly religious contents are Sanas Cormaic
Sanas Cormaic
Sanas Cormaic , also known as Cormac's Glossary, is an early Irish glossary containing etymologies and explanations of over 1,400 Irish words, many of which are difficult or outdated. The shortest and earliest version of the work is ascribed to Cormac mac Cuilennáin , king-bishop of Munster...
("Cormac's Glossary") and a history of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great.
Glosses and notes
The numerous notes which Murchadh Ó Cuindlis jotted into the margins afford us a unique glimpse of the circumstances of the writing process. These range from everyday details like a cat straying about or a robin singing in a beautiful voice to a nearby pillage in LorrhaLorrha
Lorrha is a small village at the northern tip of North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located on a local minor road between the R489 Birr to Portumna road and the N65 Nenagh to Portumna road about five kilometres east of the point where the River Shannon enters Lough Derg. It is a townland and a civil...
by a certain Murchad Ua Madagáin. A persistent object of complaint for the writer is the weather, in particular the cold. Based on the notes, Tomás Ó Concheanainn has been able to reconstruct the time span in which certain sections had been written. For instance, it took the scribe about 6 weeks to write 35 pages (pp. 141–75), while some parts proved more challenging, such as a column for a poem with interlinear glosses, which cost him a day.
Sources (with external links)
- Anonymous = Joseph Ó Longáin (fasc) and J.J. Gilbert (ed.). Leabhar Breac, the Speckled Book, otherwise styled Leabhar Mór Dúna Doighre, the Great Book of Dun Doighre. Dublin, 1876. Lithographic facsimileFacsimileA facsimile is a copy or reproduction of an old book, manuscript, map, art print, or other item of historical value that is as true to the original source as possible. It differs from other forms of reproduction by attempting to replicate the source as accurately as possible in terms of scale,...
edition. - Irish Script on Screen (DIASDublin Institute for Advanced StudiesThe Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies Dublin, Ireland was established in 1940 by the Taoiseach of the time, Éamon de Valera under the . The Institute consists of 3 schools: The , the and the . The directors of these schools are currently Professor Werner Nahm, Professor Luke Drury and...
): images and description of Leabhar Breac. - Atkinson, Robert (ed. and tr.). The Passions and the Homilies from Leabhar Breac: Text, Translation, and Glossary. Todd Lecture Series II. Dublin, 1887. Edited text available online from CELT.
- Betha Phatraic "Life of St Patrick" (Leabhar Breac pp. 24b-29b), ed. and tr. Whitley Stokes, Three Middle-Irish Homilies. Calcutta, 1877. Text edition and translation available online from CELT.
- Rule of the Céli Dé (9b-12b), ed. E.J. Gwynn. In The Rule of Tallaght. Hermathena 44, Second Suppelement. 1927.
- Greene, David and Frank O’Connor (eds. & trs.). A golden treasury of Irish poetry, A.D. 600 to 1200. London: Macmillan, 1967.
Further reading
- Bernard, J.H. "On the citations from scripture in the Leabhar Breac." Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy 30 (1893): 321-4.
- Egan, J.J. and Egan, M.J. History of Clan Egan. The birds of the forest of wisdom. Ann Arbor, 1979. 59-67.
- Mulchrone, Kathleen et al. Catalogue of Irish manuscripts in the Royal Irish Academy. Dublin, 1943. Fasc. 27.
- Ó Concheanainn, Tomás. "The scribe of the Leabhar Breac." ÉriuÉriu (journal)Ériu is an academic journal of Irish language studies. It was launched in 1904 as the journal of the School of Irish Learning in Dublin. When the School was incorporated into the Royal Irish Academy in 1926, the Academy continued publication of the journal, in the same format and with the same title...
24 (1973): 64-79. - Ritmueller, J. "The Hiberno-Latin Background of the Leabhar Breac Homily "In Cena Domini"." Proceedings of the Harvard Celtic Colloquium 2 (1982): 1-10.
- Haubrichs, Wolfgang. "Die altlateinische Gallicanus-version (Gall.) der Georgslegende und ihr Reflex im 'Leabhar Breac'." In Ireland and Europe in the early Middle Ages. Texts and transmission / Irland und Europa im früheren Mittelalter. Texte und Überlieferung, ed. Próinséas Ní Chatháin and Michael Richter. Dublin: Four Courts, 2002. 170-85.
External links
- Scéla. Catalogue of medieval Irish narratives & literary enumerations
- The Lebar Brecc Tractate on the Canonical Hours, ed. R.I. Best.
- Regula Mochuta Rathin, ed. K. Meyer.
- The Mothers’ Lament at the Slaughter of the Innocents, ed. K. Meyer.
- Imchlód Aingel (Aingil Dé dom dín), ed. T.P. O’Nolan.