Book Review: Genesis in Medieval Interpretation

In a useful addition to this new series, Schroeder has provided a good snapshot of the medieval interpretation of Genesis. The series aims to provide the reader with substantial excerpts of medieval biblical interpretation in translation, mostly from works not previously translated into English. Schroeder has fulfilled the remit with excerpts from seven authors whose labours span the period from the second half of the ninth until he third quarter of the fifteenth century ce. Much of their work was designed to provide materials on the bible for the use of preachers, often with the intention of resolving apparent contradictions and difficulties as well as explaining place names and the like. As one might expect, these authors often seek to provide spiritual and allegorical interpretations in addition to some explanation of the literal sense of the text.

Following an informative introduction, which features brief discussions of each of the authors from whose work is translated and helpfully situates them in the broader context of medieval biblical interpretation, the main part of the book provides excerpts from their work. These are arranged in chronological order, working through Genesis with the earliest interpreter covering the first chapters and the latest covering the last. Thus, Remigius of Auxerre (c. 841–c. 908) covers Genesis 1–3; Robert of Deutz (c. 1075–1129) covers 4–8; Hildegard of Bingen (1091–1136) answers question on Genesis 9, 18, 23, and 24; Andrew of St Victor (c. 1110–1175) covers 9–30; Peter Comestor (d. c. 1178) covers 31–41; Nicholas of Lyra (c. 1270–1349) covers 42–46; and Denis the Carthusian (1402–1471) rounds off 47–50.

Because the excerpted authors (except Hildegard, whose contribution is very brief) each write about a different section of Genesis, there is little opportunity for the reader to compare their work, except to note that some (particularly Robert, Peter, and Denis) offer a considerably more detailed discussion, while others tend only to discuss difficulties for interpretation. Yet certain traits are evident; there is a tendency to cite earlier authorities, with Jerome and Augustine especially popular, while the opinions of Josephus and Rashi are also much quoted. It is noticeable how often the scholarly Denis quotes Nicholas among his predecessors, usually to rebut his opinion.

In conclusion, this is a useful and readable introduction to medieval biblical interpretation and very accessible to general readers and provides a useful orientation for the beginning student. More advanced students will certainly want to access the works from which these excerpts have been taken.

George NicolBurntisland, Fife