Medieval Manuscripts in Canada Symposium

The University of Victoria Libraries, in partnership with the Department of English, is proud to co-present  Medieval Manuscripts in Canada, a unique program of events sponsored by the SSHRC-funded UVic Libraries initiative, Unravelling the Code(x) Speaker Series.

Promoting discovery, exploring new ways of thinking, encouraging creativity and innovation, the program will feature a workshop with former UVic professor Dr. Erik Kwakkel (Leiden University) “Why Study the Medieval Book?” on Thursday March 17; and a one-day symposium on Friday March 18: Medieval Manuscripts in Canada.  Without some understanding of the medieval book and its afterlives, it is impossible to understand the remarkable role of the book as a vehicle of both cultural continuity and cultural change. Rich with national and international perspectives, the program will bring together faculty, librarians, archivists, students and community members to discuss the vital impact of medieval manuscript collections in Canada, including collecting practices and scholarship with these valuable and rare materials.

Speakers at the one-day symposium include: Dr. Leslie Barnes (University of Toronto), Dr. Siobhan Bly Calkin (Carleton University), Dr. P.J. Carefoote (University of Toronto), Dr. Siân Echard (UBC), Dr. Faith Wallis (McGill University), and Dr. David Watt (University of Manitoba). The day will conclude with a special keynote address by Erik Kwakkel “From Navarre to Victoria: The Discovery of a New Pamplona Bible of c. 1200 at the University of Victoria,” followed by a reception and pop-up exhibition, showcasing the dynamic learning of student posters in the McPherson Library-Mearns Centre for Learning.

The workshop and symposium and free and open to the public, however space is limited. For a full program, and to register, please visit: http://conferences.uvic.ca/index.php/MMC/mmc

For more information, please contact Christine Walde at