John of Ireland
Encyclopedia
John of Ireland, or Johannis de Irlandia (c. 1440 - c. 1497) was a Scottish
or Irish
writer, resident for thirty years in Paris
and later a professor of theology
. John wrote a book of advice for James IV of Scotland
in the Mirrors for princes genre.
John was confessor to James IV of Scotland and also to Louis XI of France
, and was rector
of Yarrow
(de Foresta) when he completed, at Edinburgh
, the work on which rests his sole claim as a vernacular writer. This book, preserved in manuscript in the Advocates Library, Edinburgh (MS. 18, 2, 8), and labelled Johannis de Irlandia opera theologica, is a treatise in Scots
on the wisdom and discipline necessary to a prince, especially intended for the use of the young James IV. Usually called the Meroure of Wysdome it is the earliest extant example of original Scots prose. In the text, and in the title of the manuscript, it is noted that John finished the work and gave it to the king in 1490.
In the Meroure John refers to two other vernacular writings, one of the "commandementis and uthir thingis pretenand to the salvacioune of man", the other, of the "tabill of confessioune". No traces of these have been discovered. John was first at St Andrews University but left in 1459 without a degree and joined the University of Paris
as student and teacher. According to his own testimony he remained in France, 'neare the tyme of thretty yere.' Records of the Sorbonne suggest he came from a St Andrews
family, although Perth
has been suggested as his birthplace. His name appears on the rolls of the Scottish parliaments, and he is referred to by the Scottish historians, Leslie
and Dempster.
See the notices in John Lyden's introduction to his edition of the Complaynt of Scotlande (1801), pp. 85 seq.; The Scottish Antiquary, xiii. I 11115 and xv. 114. Annotated extracts are given in Gregory Smith's Specimens of Middle Scots (1902).
Jean de Launoy
however states that he was Irish (see external links), and was sent to Scotland from France.
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
or Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
writer, resident for thirty years in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
and later a professor of theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
. John wrote a book of advice for James IV of Scotland
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
in the Mirrors for princes genre.
John was confessor to James IV of Scotland and also to Louis XI of France
Louis XI of France
Louis XI , called the Prudent , was the King of France from 1461 to 1483. He was the son of Charles VII of France and Mary of Anjou, a member of the House of Valois....
, and was rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
of Yarrow
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium or yarrow is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. In New Mexico and southern Colorado, it is called plumajillo, or "little feather", for the shape of the leaves. In antiquity, yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in...
(de Foresta) when he completed, at Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, the work on which rests his sole claim as a vernacular writer. This book, preserved in manuscript in the Advocates Library, Edinburgh (MS. 18, 2, 8), and labelled Johannis de Irlandia opera theologica, is a treatise in Scots
Scots language
Scots is the Germanic language variety spoken in Lowland Scotland and parts of Ulster . It is sometimes called Lowland Scots to distinguish it from Scottish Gaelic, the Celtic language variety spoken in most of the western Highlands and in the Hebrides.Since there are no universally accepted...
on the wisdom and discipline necessary to a prince, especially intended for the use of the young James IV. Usually called the Meroure of Wysdome it is the earliest extant example of original Scots prose. In the text, and in the title of the manuscript, it is noted that John finished the work and gave it to the king in 1490.
In the Meroure John refers to two other vernacular writings, one of the "commandementis and uthir thingis pretenand to the salvacioune of man", the other, of the "tabill of confessioune". No traces of these have been discovered. John was first at St Andrews University but left in 1459 without a degree and joined the University of Paris
University of Paris
The University of Paris was a university located in Paris, France and one of the earliest to be established in Europe. It was founded in the mid 12th century, and officially recognized as a university probably between 1160 and 1250...
as student and teacher. According to his own testimony he remained in France, 'neare the tyme of thretty yere.' Records of the Sorbonne suggest he came from a St Andrews
St Andrews
St Andrews is a university town and former royal burgh on the east coast of Fife in Scotland. The town is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle.St Andrews has a population of 16,680, making this the fifth largest settlement in Fife....
family, although Perth
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
has been suggested as his birthplace. His name appears on the rolls of the Scottish parliaments, and he is referred to by the Scottish historians, Leslie
John Lesley
John Lesley was a Scottish Roman Catholic bishop and historian. His father was Gavin Lesley, rector of Kingussie, Badenoch.-Early career:...
and Dempster.
See the notices in John Lyden's introduction to his edition of the Complaynt of Scotlande (1801), pp. 85 seq.; The Scottish Antiquary, xiii. I 11115 and xv. 114. Annotated extracts are given in Gregory Smith's Specimens of Middle Scots (1902).
Jean de Launoy
Jean de Launoy
Jean de Launoy was a French historian. Known as "le denicheur des saints", he was a critical historiographer. He was on the sceptical side over the supposed papal bull Sacratissimo uti culmine...
however states that he was Irish (see external links), and was sent to Scotland from France.