Research

This section presents the results of research into Vincent's life and oeuvre. The research section is only available in English.

Information on manuscripts and editions is available in this section. For studies on Vincent and his work, please visit the section Biliography.

A biography of Vincent of Beauvais

The life of the Dominican friar Vincent of Beauvais, one of the greatest encyclopedists of the Middle Ages, is shrouded in mystery.

Speculum Maius

The Speculum Maius is a vast encyclopedia, describing nature, medieval fields of study and history in three different specula. A fourth speculum on ethics and theology was foreseen but was only compiled many years after Vincent died.

Theological works

Vincent of Beauvais is the author of at least seven theological works. Some of them were very popular in the Middle Ages, given the large number of surviving manuscripts. Nowadays, they mostly remain unstudied.

Pedagogical works

What are the requirements for a Christian monarch? How to raise noble boys and girls to become Christian leaders? Vincent's pedagogical works provide advice.

Liber consolatorius

How do you comfort a grieving monarch after the loss of the crown prince? Vincent wrote a letter of consolation to king Louis IX.

Disputed works

Several works have been wrongly attributed to Vincent of Beauvais.