The French Section of the Este Library in the 15th Century: Sedimentation, Evolution and Dispersion. The Case of Arthurian Novels

Abstract

The research examines, through the analysis of the documents, the history of the French codices which made up one of the largest and most important sections in the bibliotheca publica of the Este family. The research develops around the inventories produced in Ferrara for more than a century, between 1436 and 1561. The main purpose of the essay is to observe, by examining the archive papers, the elements of continuity and the factors of change in the Estense library until the breakdown of the French books' estate occurred during the 16th and 17th century. The full documentary material gives the opportunity to outline, in a quite accurate way, the French bulk available to the rulers of Ferrara, to their friends and courtiers - thus basically helping to learn more about the literary tastes that were fashionable at the Este court and about the most successful French books of that time.