The course focuses on the study of Handwritten Books mainly in the form of codes through the archaeological observation of structure. On the basis of this statement the course aims to frame handwritten books in the form of code in a wider scenario that takes account of the history of writing supports, evolution of libraries, techniques of preparation and packaging and writing instruments.
The “History of Handwritten Books” course aims to give students historical notions relating to material supports and main kinds of libraries from antiquity to the middle ages; knowledge of the basic techniques of Handwritten Book craftsmanship; learning of technical terminology for the analysis and description of manuscripts.
Lectures with PowerPoint presentations. Students are cyclically urged to respond orally to a questionnaire for which they will not be evaluated. The objective is to ascertain the learning of themes discussed during lectures.
Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu
Definition and background of the discipline and knowledge of bibliographical instruments; analysis of writing supports, library typologies and techniques of creating medieval books; size, geometry and use of pages in handwritten books; scribes at work and their instruments.
Programme for students taking the course for 9 cfu
Definition and background of the discipline and knowledge of bibliographical instruments; analysis of writing supports, library typologies and techniques of creating medieval books; size, geometry and use of pages in handwritten books; scribes at work and their instruments. Production, distribution and conservation of handwritten books from antiquity to the middle ages; drafts, autograph and author books; handwritten and printed books in the 15th century; survival and functions of handwritten books; general elements for the description of handwritten books.
SANDRA MACCHIAVELLO (President)
PAOLA GUGLIELMOTTI
ANTONELLA ROVERE
A final oral exam on the programme. The objective is to assess the capacity to move from one topic to another in the programme and show a command of the subject, the use of appropriate lexicon and clarity in exposition.
