Der Jüngere Titurel der Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek, Cgm 8470

The manuscript of the Younger Titurel (Bavarian state library, Cgm 8470) was probably made for a wealthy client around 1430 in South Tyrol, lavishly decorated with 85 miniatures. Among all surviving Middle High German epic manuscripts, no other has been so richly illuminated. Another peculiarity is that the codex was used by the Austrian family of Fernberger zu Eggenberg from about 1580 until the middle of the 17th century as a representative guest book in a manner similar to an Album amicorum. This use can be observed in the numerous inscriptions on the margins of the parchment leaves. These become a source for person-related studies on the history of Austria as well as for the history of religion in times of counter-reformation. Material and art historical findings are related to the results on the use of the manuscript.