And people tell me things change

[elaby]

So this is probably the most charming thing in the history of ever:

Picture of an old manuscript on Nimbuspub's book Tumblr

Medieval book historian Erik Kwakkel tweeted this photo of a 15th century book, and it's been making the rounds on Twitter. Obviously cats have always had the same propensity for jumping right up on their friends' desks, regardless of whatever work they may be doing at the time XD

The icing on the cake is Geoffrey Chaucer's tweet yesterday:

Whatte do ye calle a scriptorium policye that doth keepe cattes awaye from manuscriptes to prevent paw printes? A Pangur Ban.

— Chaucer Doth Tweet (@LeVostreGC) February 18, 2013

SPORFLE.

For those of you who aren't experts in early Irish literature*, here's the Wikipedia article on Pangur Ban.

Rachel ran downstairs this morning to tell me the joke while I was in the shower, and it absolutely made my day XD

*I am very far from an expert in early Irish literature. I have, however, watched The Secret of Kells approximately eight billion times.

Comments

[violetjimjams.livejournal.com]

I shall now write and public a book that has random kitty paws on the pages.

The book shall have nothing to do with cats.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

People would buy it! Kitty paws are cute :D

[mermaiden.livejournal.com]

THAT IS ADORABLE OH MY GOODNESS. :O <3

[caitirin.livejournal.com]

RIGHT? XD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[elaby.livejournal.com]

ISN'T IT? I'm super obsessed with details of daily life in the past, and this is pretty much as close as it gets!

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

He was a laptop cat!

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Haha! Yes XD

[coastal-spirit.livejournal.com]

I saw that old manuscript on Tumblr, and was very amused, since I rarely read or do anything else without the company of a cat. :)

I'm glad you explained Pangur Ban - I had also seen that tweet, and not understood it. -_-;; And obviously, was too lazy busy to Google it.

I have never seen The Secret of Kells ... or even heard of it.

You just keep unfolding like a flower, Scully. ;)

[elaby.livejournal.com]

You just keep unfolding like a flower, Scully. ;)

*SPORFLE*

I love the idea of some monk or clerk in the 1400's going "GOD'S TEETH, CAT, GET THEE OFF MY MANUSCRIPT."

You need to see The Secret of Kells! IT IS GORGEOUS. I have it on DVD if you want to borrow it :3 There's a song about Pangur Ban in it and I sing it allllll the time, so when we saw that tweet, I almost died.