Studies on Greek and Coptic Majuscule Scripts and Books

Pasquale Orsini

ISBN 10: 311057540X / ISBN 13: 9783110575408

Published by De Gruyter, DE, 2018

About this Item

The volume contains a critical review of data, results and open problems concerning the principal Greek and Coptic majuscule bookhands, based on previous research of the author, revised and updated to offer an overview of the different graphic phenomena. Although the various chapters address the history of different types of scripts (i.e. biblical majuscule, sloping poitend majuscule, liturgical majuscule, epigraphic and monumental scripts), their juxtaposition allows us to identify common issues of the comparative method of palaeography. From an overall critical assessment of these aspects the impossibility of applying a unique historical paradigm to interpret the formal expressions and the history of the different bookhands comes up, due to the fact that each script follows different paths. Particular attention is also devoted to the use of Greek majuscules in the writing of ancient Christian books. A modern and critical awareness of palaeographic method may help to place the individual witnesses in the context of the main graphic trends, in the social and cultural environments in which they developed, and in a more accurate chronological framework.

Seller Inventory # LU-9783110575408

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Studies on Greek and Coptic Majuscule Scripts and Books
• Publisher: De Gruyter, DE
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 311057540X
• ISBN 13: 9783110575408
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 6.14W x 0.75H x 9.21D inches 6.14 inches width by 0.75 inches height by 9.21 inches depth
• Weight: 532 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The volume contains a critical review of data, results and open problems concerning the principal Greek and Coptic majuscule bookhands, based on previous research of the author, revised and updated to offer an overview of the different graphic phenomena. Although the various chapters address the history of different types of scripts (i.e. biblical majuscule, sloping poitend majuscule, liturgical majuscule, epigraphic and monumental scripts), their juxtaposition allows us to identify common issues of the comparative method of palaeography.

From an overall critical assessment of these aspects the impossibility of applying a unique historical paradigm to interpret the formal expressions and the history of the different bookhands comes up, due to the fact that each script follows different paths.

Particular attention is also devoted to the use of Greek majuscules in the writing of ancient Christian books. A modern and critical awareness of palaeographic method may help to place the individual witnesses in the context of the main graphic trends, in the social and cultural environments in which they developed, and in a more accurate chronological framework.  

About the Author

Pasquale Orsini, Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Rome, Italy.