Texts, Scribes and Transmission: Manuscript Cultures of the Ismaili Communities and Beyond

The study of manuscripts has revealed new perspectives on the transmission of texts and cultural practices in premodern Muslim societies, particularly those of the Ismaili communities. This open-access volume brings together studies on various aspects of these manuscript cultures, including codicology, scribal and reading practices, educational and social history, authorship, communal script, religious identity, and interactions of ideas across ideological denominations. Contributions from specialists and early-career scholars make it an invaluable resource for scholars working on textual scholarship, manuscript and literary cultures, and Islamic studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The study of manuscripts has opened up a fascinating realm of exploration into the rich tapestry of Muslim cultures. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing fascination with the manuscript traditions of the Muslim world, shedding light on the intricate processes of text transmission and raising profound questions about the cultural practices that have been passed down within the scholarly circles of premodern Muslim societies.

One particularly intriguing aspect of this scholarly endeavor is the examination of the intellectual and literary heritage of Ismaili communities, a branch of Shi'i Islam. Until recently, these communities' rich literary traditions were largely preserved in private and inaccessible libraries, hidden from the broader public. However, this open access volume seeks to rectify that by bringing together a collection of studies that offer insightful perspectives on the manuscript cultures nurtured by Ismaili communities until well after the widespread dissemination of printed books.

The range of materials transmitted via these manuscripts is truly remarkable, spanning across Arabic, Persian, and Indic languages. These languages reflect the doctrinal and literary preoccupations of Muslims at large, as well as the diverse societies in which Ismailis lived. The manuscripts themselves bear the imprint of their respective cultural contexts, spanning a vast geographical area from the Near East to Central and South Asia.

In addition to delving into the complex processes of textual transmission, the chapters in this book also explore a wide range of interconnected aspects. These include codicology, scribal and reading practices, educational and social history, authorship, communal script, religious identity, and the intermingling of ideas across ideological denominations. The contributions of specialists and early-career scholars make this volume an invaluable resource for those engaged in textual scholarship, manuscript and literary cultures, and Islamic studies.

The eBook editions of this book are freely available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license on bloomsburycollections.com. The funding for open access was provided by Islamic Publications Ltd., ensuring that this valuable intellectual content remains accessible to a wide audience.

In conclusion, the study of manuscripts has opened up a new window into the rich and diverse world of Muslim cultures. By exploring the manuscript traditions of Ismaili communities and other groups, we gain a deeper understanding of the transmission of texts, the cultural practices that have shaped societies, and the intellectual and literary heritage that has been preserved through the ages. This open access volume is a testament to the power of scholarship and the importance of making knowledge accessible to all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755645374