Library’s 15-millionth volume is influential manuscript on agricultural management from Middle Ages

University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Acquires 15-Millionth Volume

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A medieval manuscript by an English agronomist describing the agricultural management of a manor is the 15-millionth volume of the collection of the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Significance of the Manuscript

The manuscript is a 14th-century copy of the text of Walter of Henley’s 13th-century work “Hosbondrye,” one of the most influential works on agriculture and land management in the Middle Ages.

“It is directly tied to our long and august history as an agricultural college, which is one of the reasons we thought it would be an appropriate fit for the University Library,” said Lynne M. Thomas, the head of the Rare Book and Manuscript Library, where the Henley manuscript will be housed.

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Acquisition and Funding

It is one of 41 surviving manuscript copies of Henley’s work. The Library purchased the manuscript with money from the Waco Worthy Albert and Betty Jean Albert Endowment Fund and a $50,000 bequest to RBML from Betty Albert’s estate, as well as with similar funds from the Funk ACES Library and Veterinary Medicine Library. The late Betty Albert made endowments in memory of her husband, who was a U. of I. animal sciences professor, to purchase print materials related to the management and breeding of cows, sheep, pigs and horses. The RBML bequest was made to purchase rare books about animal husbandry for the same species.

Content and Purpose of the Manuscript

Walter of Henley wrote “Hosbondrye” in the form of a sermon and from the viewpoint of the owner of a small estate, Thomas said.

“This is a work by a steward telling other people how to be a steward,” she said. “Henley talks about handling an estate as a business proposition. It’s not solely about the welfare of animals or subsistence. It’s knowing how to grow your yields and knowing when to cut your losses. There’s an emphasis on profit honestly and honorably gained. It’s very much a working document that is very clear about what it is and who it’s for and what its goals are, which is a profitable estate with a moral center to it.”

Henley wrote the work to be accessible and understandable, Thomas said: “One of the reasons this manuscript got copied over and over was that it was easily understood. Henley was trying to make it as clear as possible how he thought the raising of cows should be done.”

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Collaboration for Purchase

The price was $95,000, nearly double the RBML bequest, so Thomas, on the advice of Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services Thomas Teper, approached Sarah C. Williams, the head of the Funk ACES Library, and Erin E. Kerby, the head of the Veterinary Medicine Library, about collaborating on the purchase using money from their libraries’ Albert endowment funds.

“Given the specific nature of this particular endowment and the fact that

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses a medieval manuscript on agricultural management, which is directly connected to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) as it focuses on improving agricultural practices and land management to ensure food security. It also relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) as it emphasizes the profitability and economic aspects of estate management. Additionally, the manuscript promotes responsible consumption and production, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Lastly, the manuscript’s focus on agricultural practices and land management contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

The manuscript’s content aligns with Target 2.4 of SDG 2, which aims to improve agricultural practices and increase productivity. It also relates to Target 8.2 of SDG 8, which focuses on economic productivity through innovation and technological upgrading. In terms of SDG 12, the manuscript contributes to Target 12.2 by promoting sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources in agricultural practices. Lastly, the manuscript’s emphasis on sustainable land use and management connects to Target 15.1 of SDG 15, which aims to conserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not provide specific quantitative indicators. To measure progress towards Target 2.4 of SDG 2, indicators such as agricultural productivity per hectare, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and yield gaps can be used. For Target 8.2 of SDG 8, indicators like gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, labor productivity, and technological innovation can be utilized. Indicators for Target 12.2 of SDG 12 may include resource efficiency, waste generation per capita, and sustainable consumption patterns. Lastly, for Target 15.1 of SDG 15, indicators like forest area as a proportion of total land area, biodiversity index, and land degradation can be considered.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news.illinois.edu

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