Title: The rationale divinorum officiorum of William Durand of Mende : (a new translation of the prologue and book one) /
Authors: Durand, Guillaume, approximately 1230-1296.; Thibodeau, T. M.; Durand, Guillaume, approximately 1230-1296.; Thibodeau, T. M.; Durand, Guillaume, approximately 1230-1296.; Durand, Guillaume, approximately 1230-1296.
Publisher: Columbia University Press,
Year: 2007
Subjects: Durand, Guillaume,; Catholic Church Liturgy Early works to 1800.; Christian art and symbolism; Church architecture.; Symbolism in architecture.; Liturgy and architecture Early works to 1800.; Christian art and symbolism Early works to 1800.; Church architecture Early works to 1800.; Sacraments Catholic Church Early works to 1800
Abstract: The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably 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.
Contents: Introduction -- Prologue -- Book 1, On the church building and ecclesiastical property and furnishings, on consecrations and the sacraments: On the church building and its parts -- On the altar -- On the pictures, curtains, and ornaments of the church -- On the bells -- On the cemetery and other sacred and religious places -- On the dedication of a church -- On the dedication of the altar -- On consecrations and unctions -- On the ecclesiastical sacraments.