Authorial and Editorial Roles in Song Manuscripts of the Devotio Moderna

Abstract

This essay sets out a model which identifies eight distinct authorial and editorial roles in the transformation of oral sermons towritten collections in multi-text codices. This model is then applied to a different genre: collections of songs from the same background, the Devotio Moderna. The main differences and similarities between sermons and devotional songs are discussed in relation to the position of their authors, their generic characteristics and the needs of the manuscript users. The model turns out to be a strong heuristic tool for systematically reflecting on the genesis of multi-text codices. It can be used to compare the mechanics of writing and collecting in various genres and cultural circles.