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The Vercelli Book. The Vercelli Book. Dates from the late 10 th century One of four important OE collections (another is the Exeter Book) Contains 23 homiletic (sermon; moralizing lecture) and hagiographic (biography presenting person as perfect) writings and 6 interspersed poems
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The Vercelli Book • Dates from the late 10th century • One of four important OE collections (another is the Exeter Book) • Contains 23 homiletic (sermon; moralizing lecture) and hagiographic (biography presenting person as perfect) writings and 6 interspersed poems • Most famous poem is “The Dream of the Rood”
The Vercelli Book • Book is written in a single handwriting • Organized thematically around the Church’s liturgical calendar • Most famous poem is “The Dream of the Rood” • Four poems besides “Rood” survive in tact with one a fragment
The Dream of the Rood • One of the oldest Christian poems • Written in alliterative verse • Sections found on Ruthwell Cross • May have been authored by Caedmon or Cynewulf whose name is signed to “The Fates of the Apostles” and “Elene,” two poems in Vercelli