The manuscripts discussed here, Oxford, Bodleian Library, Tanner MS 407 and New Haven, Yale University Library, Beinecke 365, were produced roughly contemporaneously and within a relatively small geographical area. Tanner is the work of one man, Robert Reynes of Acle, and is noted for the eclecticism of its contents. Beinecke, meanwhile, was the work of two scribes, the first anonymous, the second Robert Melton of Stuston. The first copyist’s work is largely religious and exemplary; Melton’s contributions are non-literary, consisting of prayers and copies of accounts and deeds relating to his role of steward to the Cornwallis family. Study of content is complemented by analysis of the structure of each book while comparison of the dramatic texts lends particularity to the taxonomic distinctions which must be drawn between them.
