The Exeter Book

The Exeter Book Takes its name from Exeter Cathedral in whose library it was housed, donated by Leofric, (d.1072) first bishop of Exeter Originally 131 parchment leaves, 12.5”x8.6”, Bound between birch boards (German for “birch” gives English “book”) probably written by a single scribe, probably in late 10 th cen. Largest surviving collection of OE literature; contains 31 poems, 96 riddles

The Exeter Book Only surviving source for most of its contents Survived fire, storms, civil war, two world wars but does have damage: – knife cuts suggesting its use as a cutting board – ring from a beer mug and stains from a beer spill – some missing initial leaves – large burn on several end leaves