ABSTRACT
The pre-history and early history of the Dominican order are inextricably linked with the interests of the papacy. Dominican and papal aims and preoccupations were so close that it is sometimes unclear whether developments in the order resulted from the initiative of its founder or of the pope. From reading the secondary literature, one might conclude that Gratiarum omnium did confer favours on the Dominicans. The fullest biography of Dominic, by M. H. Vicaire, states that Gratiarum omnium bestowed 'two privileges of value'. Thomas of Cantimpré in his Bonum universale, a collection of anecdotes concerning Dominican history, gives an account of the composition of a papal letter that can only be Gratiarum omnium. More plausible is Koudelka's suggestion that the notary who made the change in the address was William, who is documented as notary in 1209 and 1216 and doubtless retained this office until he was promoted to be vice-chancellor in 1219 to 1220.
