Manuscript Poetics: Materiality and Textuality in Medieval Italian Literature

Manuscript Poetics explores the relationship between the material features of textual artifacts and the literary aspects of medieval Italian texts. It examines the book-objects of manuscripts and early printed editions, challenging contemporary presumptions about technological neutrality and the modes of interfacing and reading. It shows that Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarca evaluated and deployed the tools of scribal culture to shape, signal, or layer meanings beyond those they conveyed in their written texts, making medieval texts foundational to the theoretical understanding of new forms and materials in our media-saturated contemporary world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

Manuscript Poetics delves into the intricate interplay between the physical characteristics of textual artifacts and the literary elements they encapsulate, shedding light on the profound connections between the material world and the realm of literature in medieval Italy. This groundbreaking study serves as both an exploration into the material underpinnings of literature and a thoughtful reflection on notions of textuality, writing, and media in late medieval and early modern Italy. Francesco Marco Aresu takes a deep dive into the book-objects of manuscripts and early printed editions, raising thought-provoking questions about the material conditions that shaped the production, circulation, and reception of literary works. He encourages scholars to embrace a holistic approach to reading, one that incorporates not only sight but also touch and sensory experiences. By challenging contemporary assumptions about technological neutrality and the modes of interfacing and reading, Aresu invites us to reimagine our relationship with written texts and explore new avenues for interpretation and understanding.

Manuscript Poetics explores the profound relationship between the material aspects of textual artifacts and the literary qualities they preserve, delving into the intricate tapestry of medieval Italian literature. This groundbreaking study serves as a multifaceted exploration, simultaneously probing the material foundations of literature and engaging in a thoughtful reflection on notions of textuality, writing, and media in late medieval and early modern Italy. Francesco Marco Aresu takes us on a captivating journey as he examines the book-objects of manuscripts and early printed editions, raising thought-provoking questions about the material conditions that shaped the production, circulation, and reception of literary works. Through his meticulous analysis, Aresu reveals that Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarca, master storytellers of their time, harnessed the tools of scribal culture to create meanings that extended beyond the confines of their written texts. By delving into the rich tapestry of medieval manuscripts, Aresu demonstrates how these texts occupy a unique position in providing a perspective that sheds light on the evolution of new forms and materials in our media-saturated contemporary world. This study not only deepens our understanding of medieval literature but also offers valuable insights into the broader cultural and historical contexts in which it flourished.

Weight: 768g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268206499