Hoccleve vs. Mowbray: Whose Book Is It?

Authors

Joyce Coleman, University of Oklahoma, retiredFollow

Abstract

Writing in 1994, Derek Pearsall suggested that, c. 1411-14, the future Henry V had commissioned Thomas Hoccleve to write The Regiment of Princes, and then to oversee the creation of copies to distribute among important courtiers, in “a concerted attempt ... to cement relationships with possibly doubtful friends” (Pearsall 1994: 396).

Ten years earlier, however, Kate Harris had proposed that the arms in the initials under the famous presentation image and on ff. 1 and 71 of London, BL Arundel 38 were all linked to John Mowbray, the future duke of Norfolk—not to the prince and to Thomas FitzAlan, earl of Arundel, as had long been accepted.

This article re-examines this controversy, supporting Pearsall’s suggestions, and the kneeler’s authorial identity, via analysis of the layout of the presentation image and of the controversial pink gown.

Recommended Citation

Coleman, Joyce () "Hoccleve vs. Mowbray: Whose Book Is It?," Accessus: Vol. 9: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/accessus/vol9/iss1/3