History of Manuscript Book

The course provides the general lines of the history of the manuscript book and the tools necessary to understand and describe the different forms, responsibilities, techniques and functions of manuscripts produced in the West from antiquity until the invention of printing.

By the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge of the main forms, functions, responsibilities and techniques of the manuscript book produced in the West from antiquity until the invention of printing. They will also be able to place the most representative manuscripts in their historical and geographical contexts of use and preservation. The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear, effective and codified form, technical concepts inferred from the autopsy observation ofthe manuscripts; He will also be able to read historiographical works critically and use the main tools, including digital tools, for the research and analysis of sources.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Participation in seminars and meetings at conservation libraries and visits to restoration workshops will also be of great importance.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.