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Cover of A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger: A Study of Six Leaves of an Uncial Manuscript Preserved; in the Pierpont Morgan Library New York

A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger: A Study of Six Leaves of an Uncial Manuscript Preserved; in the Pierpont Morgan Library New York

Written by Edward Kennard Rand,E. A. (Elias Avery) Lowe

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Pliny, the YoungerManuscripts, LatinManuzio, Aldo, 1449 or 50-1515Paleography, Latin

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About this book

"A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger" by Lowe and Rand is a scholarly publication centered on a recently discovered manuscript fragment written in the early sixth century. The work primarily discusses the paleographical and textual significance of this fragment, which contains letters from Pliny the Younger, offering insights into classical literature and the history of manuscript preservation. The opening of this publication introduces the significance of the manuscript, which consists of six vellum leaves containing portions of Pliny's letters. The authors detail the manuscript's historical journey to its current location at the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York, emphasizing its authenticity and the context surrounding its discovery. The initial segment focuses on the characteristics of the manuscript, including its size, condition, and the method of writing, providing valuable information for scholars studying classical texts and the evolution of manuscript traditions.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger: A Study of Six Leaves of an Uncial Manuscript Preserved; in the Pierpont Morgan Library New York, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • Analytical
  • Scholarly
  • Meticulous

Edward Kennard Rand and E. A. Lowe's "A Sixth-Century Fragment of the Letters of Pliny the Younger" is a foundational scholarly work dedicated to the meticulous examination of six vellum leaves containing portions of Pliny's correspondence. The book delves into the paleographical and textual significance of this newly discovered early sixth-century uncial manuscript, now housed at the Pierpont Morgan Library. It meticulously details the fragment's physical characteristics, historical journey, and its crucial role in illuminating the transmission of classical literature. The publication serves as a rigorous academic study, offering invaluable insights into ancient manuscript traditions and the precise methods of textual criticism.

“This fragment, though small, offers invaluable insight into the early transmission of Pliny's corpus and the vitality of classical texts in the sixth century.”

Key themes

Paleography and Codicology
This theme explores the meticulous study of ancient writing systems (paleography) and the physical characteristics of manuscripts (codicology). The book is a prime example of how detailed analysis of script, ink, vellum, and book construction can date and contextualize an ancient artifact, revealing its place in the history of writing and book production.
Textual Transmission and Authenticity
The book meticulously investigates how classical texts like Pliny's Letters were copied, preserved, and disseminated across centuries. The fragment's content is critically compared against existing textual traditions to identify variants, confirm readings, and provide new insights into the accuracy and evolution of Pliny's corpus, thereby strengthening the authenticity of our understanding of ancient literature.
Manuscript Preservation and Discovery
This theme encompasses the precarious journey of ancient manuscripts through history, their survival against odds, and the processes of their modern discovery, acquisition, and scholarly study. The book highlights the critical role of institutions like the Pierpont Morgan Library in safeguarding these invaluable cultural artifacts for future generations.

Worth discussing

How do fragments like the Pliny manuscript contribute to our understanding of classical literature's transmission and preservation?

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