Published by Primary Source Microfilm

The Cotton Manuscripts are one of the great historical treasures of Britain. Amassed by Sir Robert Cotton, the documents were acquired because of their historical, antiquarian and political significance. This collection is comprised of approximately 300 volumes and includes manuscripts that are primary sources for British history and English literature from the middle of the 12th century to the end of the 15th century.

From the Arthurian mythos and the prophecies of Merlin to such tangible historical figures as Richard III and Henry V, this unparalleled collection breathes life into almost all aspects of the literature and history of the medieval period. In addition to such famous works as the unique manuscript of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and one of the St. Albans manuscripts containing autograph work of Matthew Paris are texts of chronicles by Henry of Huntingdon, William of Malmesbury, Ralph Coggeshall, Robert Langtoft, Adam Murimuth, Thomas Walsingham, Polydore Vergil and others.

Also found here are works by such outstanding authors as Eadmer and John Wyclif; many individual letters and some notable collections of correspondence (of Lanfranc and Anselm, of Adam Marsh, and of 14th and 15th century kings dealing with foreign affairs); and valuable material for studying the history of medieval London.

Complete collection: 123 reels

Part One: Cotton Julius, Cotton Augustus, and Cotton Tiberius
21 reels

Part Two: Cotton Caligula and Cotton Claudius
14 reels

Part Three: Cotton Nero, Cotton Galba, and Cotton Otho
22 reels

Part Four: Cotton Vitellius
14 reels

Part Five: Cotton Vespasian
14 reels

Part Six: Cotton Titus
16 reels

Part Seven: Cotton Domitian, Cotton Cleopatra, Cotton Faustina, Cotton Appendix
22 reels