Love Breviary

Structured as a symbolic tree of love, the manuscript is divided into twelve codices, complemented by numerous fragments. While initially written in French, it was later translated into Castilian and Limous dialects. Remarkably, the author expressed a preference for Latin as the language for this literary work.

The book unfolds into distinct sections, commencing with the Study of God and the Creation, detailing the Trinity, angels, demons, the zodiac, and planetary entities. The subsequent section, the Study of Nature, delves into the appropriate methods of divine worship, navigating temptations, and cautioning against sins prevalent in everyday life.

Navigating further, the Love of God section encapsulates Christian creeds, the life of Christ, and an array of saintly narratives. Concluding the manuscript is a compelling dialogue between proponents and detractors of Love, replete with references to trouvères, including Matfre’s own citations.

Matfre Ermengaud, an enigmatic figure of the 13th century, resided as a Franciscan monk. Crafting this exceptional manuscript between 1288 and 1320, he skillfully intertwined Christian theology, legal doctrines and troubadour poetry, resulting in an unparalleled work of Occitan literature. Ermengaud, hailing from Béziers, France, dedicated his life to jurisprudence and poetry. A paragon of medieval legal expertise, he held a law degree equivalent to today’s master’s in law. Although his life details remain scant, his legacy is firmly entrenched in this manuscript.

As a poet, composer, and singer specializing in courtly medieval poetry-Matfre Ermengaud crafted a significant text that paid homage to troubadour poetry while reinterpreting it in a compelling manner. The Breviari d’Amor, meaning Book of Hours of Love, now stands as a cornerstone of Occitan poetry, embellished with twenty-nine full-page and one hundred ninety-two small-format miniatures.

Comprising around 35.600 verses, the Breviari d’Amor is a didactic masterpiece resembling an encyclopedia. It artfully employs troubadour-style love poetry to articulate Christian love for God. The manuscript is adorned with citations from an array of troubadours, showcasing Matfre Ermengaud’s extensive literary knowledge.

The facsimile edition of the Love Breviary is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.