Introduction to the English Monastic Breviaries

A guide to breviaries (monastic service books containing the Divine Office) in late medieval England.

During the Middle Ages, the Divine Office, or daily round of prayers, formed the central focus of the monastic life. The liturgical book which contained all the prayers, hymns, etc. which were said at each office during the year is the breviary. The present volume is widely acknowledged as the best introduction available in English to the complex structure of the Office. Initially the Benedi...