"His Owne Scriveyn”: Adam Pinkhurst and the Consequences of "Chaucer's Scribe"
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
English
Faculty Mentor
Josephine Koster, Ph.D.
Abstract
In 2004, Linne Mooney announced that she has discovered the identity of Chaucer’s primary scribe, Adam Pinkhurst, formerly known as Scribe B, as well as linking his handwriting to the Hengwrt and Ellesmere manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales. Her 2006 article, “Chaucer’s Scribe,” has facilitated a critical conversation over the last eight years that represents a 21st century perspective into medieval studies. Interest in Adam and Chaucer’s professional relationship can be attributed to one of Chaucer’s shorter poems, “Chaucer’s Words to Adam, His Own Scribe,” which Mooney argues can only represent Adam Pinkhurst. My research focuses on the rapid changes within Chaucer studies since Adam’s identification, particularly in light of any disproportionate readings of Chaucer’s short poem. Adam was Chaucer’s scribe, not his editor or his muse, but his influence on Chaucer can be tricky to define without records of friendship beyond employment. My assessment of previous scholarship attempts to deflate any exaggerated characterization of Adam Pinkhurst, as well as contributing my own opinion on the significance of this particular scribe to Chaucer’s creative process.
Start Date
24-4-2015 3:35 PM
"His Owne Scriveyn”: Adam Pinkhurst and the Consequences of "Chaucer's Scribe"
DiGiorgio Campus Center, Room 220
In 2004, Linne Mooney announced that she has discovered the identity of Chaucer’s primary scribe, Adam Pinkhurst, formerly known as Scribe B, as well as linking his handwriting to the Hengwrt and Ellesmere manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales. Her 2006 article, “Chaucer’s Scribe,” has facilitated a critical conversation over the last eight years that represents a 21st century perspective into medieval studies. Interest in Adam and Chaucer’s professional relationship can be attributed to one of Chaucer’s shorter poems, “Chaucer’s Words to Adam, His Own Scribe,” which Mooney argues can only represent Adam Pinkhurst. My research focuses on the rapid changes within Chaucer studies since Adam’s identification, particularly in light of any disproportionate readings of Chaucer’s short poem. Adam was Chaucer’s scribe, not his editor or his muse, but his influence on Chaucer can be tricky to define without records of friendship beyond employment. My assessment of previous scholarship attempts to deflate any exaggerated characterization of Adam Pinkhurst, as well as contributing my own opinion on the significance of this particular scribe to Chaucer’s creative process.
