Commmonplaces on Preaching Among Commonplaces for Preaching? The Topic Predicacio in Thomas of Ireland\u27s Manipulus Folrum

This article offers a new theory regarding Thomas of Ireland\u27s intention in compiling the Manipulus florum. Focusing on several passages from Thomas\u27s Preface to this influential florilegium, the author proposes that it was not intended as a resource for sermon composition, as previously thought, but rather as a collection of authoritative quotations to be used by university students for the purpose of self-formation. While the evidence for its reception as a preaching aid indicates the importance of the entire text of the Manipulus for scholars of late medieval and early modem sermons, it is argued that thefifty-ftve quotations under the topic Predicado, an edition of which is provided in the Appendix to this article, are of particular interest in terms of how Thomas constructed this topic as a guide to aspiring and novice preachers