 1473 Strasbourg edition of the Speculum Historiale by Johann Mentelin | |
| Author | Vincent of Beauvais |
|---|---|
| Language | Latin |
| Genre | Encyclopedia |
The Speculum Maius or Majus[1] (Latin: "The Greater Mirror") was a major encyclopedia of the Middle Ages written by Vincent of Beauvais in the 13th century. It was a great compendium of all knowledge of the time. The work seems to have consisted of three parts: the Speculum Naturale ("The Mirror of Nature"), the Speculum Doctrinale ("The Mirror of Doctrine"), and Speculum Historiale ("The Mirror of History"). However, all the printed editions include a fourth part, the Speculum Morale ("The Mirror of Morals"), added in the 14th century and mainly compiled from Thomas Aquinas, Stephen of Bourbon, and a few other contemporary writers.[1]
- ^ a b Enc. Brit. (1911), p. 90.