The Saint Gall Convent Library: The Cradle of German Language and Literature

The rich & invaluable contents of the library of Saint Gall Abbey, Switzerland, are presented on the occasion of a special exhibition held from Nov 1986 to Oct 1987 displaying manuscripts & prints dating from the 8th to 16th centuries. The most precious of these monuments are listed, with catalogue information & concise summaries of contents & history. Manuscripts produced in the abbey are distinguished from monuments preserved in its library but originating elsewhere. The abbey's monks' contribution to the history of the German language is recognized, noting that they produced texts in the vernacular as early as the second half of the 8th century. The writing activities & legacy of Notker der Deutsche are discussed, & his most distinguished glossed translations are presented. The Saint Gall manuscript of the "Nibelungenlied" (Song of the Nibelungs) & the oldest German-language Christmas play, "Sanktgaller Spiel von der Kindheit Jesu" (The Saint Gall Play of Jesus's Childhood) are mentioned. 8 References. Z. Dubiel