The Beówulf Manuscript or the…

Jan 31

Nowell Edition or the Cotton Vitellius Alpha 15

The Cotton Vitellius A XV: A Treasure of English Literary History

Imagine a world where the epic poem Beowulf didn’t survive. No fierce battles with Grendel, no dragon slaying, and no glimpse into Anglo-Saxon heroism. That might have been the case if not for a single, fragile manuscript: the Cotton Vitellius A XV.

This remarkable book is not only a cornerstone of English literature but also a witness to history’s trials and triumphs. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this manuscript so special.

What is the Cotton Vitellius A XV?

A medieval manuscript written in Old English, containing a mix of prose and poetry. Most famously, it is the sole surviving source of the epic poem Beowulf. But this isn’t all it holds. The manuscript also includes other intriguing texts, such as:

The Passion of Saint Christopher
The Wonders of the East (a fantastical description of strange lands and creatures)
The Letter of Alexander to Aristotle
Judith

The manuscript is often referred to as the Nowell Codex, named after 16th-century antiquarian Laurence Nowell, who once owned it.

Where is it now?

Today, the Cotton Vitellius A XV resides in the British Library in London, carefully preserved under the catalogue reference Cotton MS Vitellius A XV. Scholars and visitors alike marvel at its pages, which connect us to a time long past.

Where has it been?

The manuscript has had quite the journey:

Anglo-Saxon Monasteries: It was likely copied by scribes in a monastery during the late 10th or early 11th century, although the texts it contains—especially Beowulf—may date back to oral traditions from the 8th century.
Laurence Nowell had the Beowulf manuscript in his possession around the 1560s. His name appears on the first page of the manuscript, written as “Laurentius Nowell” with the date 1563. This suggests that he either owned or studied the manuscript at that time.
Sir Robert Cotton’s Library: In the 17th century, it became part of Sir Robert Cotton’s personal collection. Cotton organized his manuscripts using Roman emperors’ busts, and this book was stored under Vitellius (hence its name).
The Fire at Ashburnham House: Disaster struck in 1731 when a fire engulfed Ashburnham House, where the Cotton Library was stored. Many manuscripts were destroyed or severely damaged, including this one. The edges of some pages in the Beowulf manuscript are burned, but its text survived.

Who wrote it?

The identities of the original authors remain a mystery. As was common in medieval times, the stories were passed down orally before being written. The manuscript itself was copied by two anonymous scribes, whose work preserved these timeless stories for future generations.

Why does it matter?

Without the Cotton Vitellius A XV, we wouldn’t have Beowulf, one of the most important works of English literature. The manuscript also offers insights into the imagination, beliefs, and storytelling of the Anglo-Saxon world—a bridge to our cultural past.

A Fragile Connection to the Past

The Cotton Vitellius A XV is more than just a book. It’s a testament to survival—of stories, language, and history. Despite fire and time, this manuscript lives on, offering us a rare glimpse into a world that shaped the foundations of English literature.

So next time you think of epic battles and ancient heroics, remember this humble, burned manuscript. It’s proof that even the most fragile things can endure.

Fascinated by medieval history? Share your thoughts in the comments below.