The Commonplace Book

Woodcuts and pictures from other people’s books, copied out with a caption apiece, as early modern readers kept commonplace books. First gathered on Twitter: #WoodcutWednesday, #NotALion and the manuscripts.

Thirteenth century

After years of patiently trying, Jimmy finally pooped the perfect egg.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

Tell me about the humans, George.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

That moment when you mistakenly believe you're at a high five party. #LeftHimHanging

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

One does not simply find the Grail.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

Goe home, detayle. Thou art drunke.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

The Medieval Karate Kid.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

#RaiseTheRoof

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

The uncomfortable hug is made worse when the other person also tugs on your hair.

From: Arthurian Romances
Image from: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 229

Thirteenth century

Why are manticores always hipsters?

From: Bestiary
Image from: British Library, Royal MS 12 C XIX, f. 29v

Thirteenth century

When you want to fight, but your horses just want to hug it out.

From: The Rochester Bestiary
Image from: British Library, Royal MS 12 F XIII, f. 42v

Thirteenth century

A little ass-play. I’ll show myself out…

From: The Rochester Bestiary
Image from: British Library, Royal MS 12 F XIII, f. 39v