Studies in the Transmission of Latin Texts: Volume II: Vitruvius, Cato, De agricultura and Varro, De re rustica, Porphyrio, and Priscian, Periegesis

This volume provides a study of all known manuscripts and incunabular editions of four classical texts, with over 200 witnesses involved. It establishes the genealogical affiliations of manuscript copies and discusses which manuscripts future editors should use. It deepens knowledge of the transmission of classical Latin texts, scribal practice, and techniques for genealogical study.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive volume presents a thorough examination of all extant manuscripts and incunabular editions of four classical texts: Vitruvius' De architectura, Cato's De agri cultura, Varro's De re rustica, Porphyrio's Commentary on Horace, and Priscian's Periegesis. The sheer volume of witnesses involved exceeds 200, with many of these manuscripts originating in France or Italy. However, English, German, Polish, and Swiss manuscripts also make their presence known. For each text, the genealogical affiliations of its manuscript copies are meticulously determined, often shedding light on these texts for the first time. Moreover, the book explores the manner in which these texts were dispersed throughout medieval Europe and transmitted from antiquity through the Middle Ages to the earliest printed editions.

S. P. Oakley demonstrates the effectiveness of the so-called stemmatic method in achieving clear and decisive results. Through this method, Oakley identifies which manuscripts future editors should prioritize for editing these texts. Manuscripts that are deemed unnecessary for editing are discussed in depth, while those that are essential receive thorough attention. Numerous localizations and derivations are established, providing a detailed study that deepens our understanding of the transmission of classical Latin texts, particularly during the Renaissance.

This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the field of classical studies, scribal practice, and manuscript genealogy. It offers a wealth of information and insights that will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing exploration and appreciation of these ancient texts.

Weight: 868g
Dimension: 240 x 155 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198848738