The Medieval Bible — Western Christian Bible

The Compact Paris Bible

c. AD 1200-1250

Small, portable one-volume Bibles standardized order, chapter divisions, and page design for university study and preaching.

Full Account

Thin parchment, small Gothic script, abbreviated writing, and compact layouts allowed the entire Latin Bible to fit into a portable volume. Production was connected with professional workshops serving students, friars, and clergy.

Paris Bibles helped establish a common order of books and the chapter divisions associated with Stephen Langton. Their standardized format made citation and classroom use more practical.

Historical Significance

The Paris Bible transformed the Bible from a large institutional book into a portable scholarly and preaching tool.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Stephen Langton; Parisian scribes; Dominican and Franciscan friars
Key places: Paris; European universities
Languages: Latin