Unlocking the Secrets of Medieval Manuscripts: The Significance of Allonges

Allonges is a term used in the context of medieval manuscripts and refers to a type of marginal note or commentary that was written in the gutter, or the space between the text block and the border of the page. These notes were typically written by scribes or other readers who wanted to provide additional information or explanations about the text.

Allonges could take many forms, including brief comments, glosses, or even longer passages of text that were intended to elaborate on or clarify certain points in the main text. They might also include references to other sources or authorities that supported the arguments or claims made in the main text.

The purpose of allonges was to provide additional context and meaning to the text, and they were often used by scholars and readers to help them understand complex ideas or passages. Today, allonges are an important part of the study of medieval manuscripts and can provide valuable insights into the interpretations and understanding of the texts by those who wrote and read them.