Miniature codices in early Christianity / Michael J. Kruger.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kruger, Michael J., author.

Series:

Oxford early Christian studies.

Oxford scholarship online.

Oxford early Christian studies

Oxford scholarship online

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christian literature, Early--Manuscripts.

Christian literature, Early.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (374 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, [2025]

Summary:

While there has been renewed scholarly interest in paratextual features of early Christian manuscripts, that interest has rarely extended to the size of manuscripts, particularly the format known as the miniature codex. Such neglect is surprising given that this miniature format was a notable part of early Christian textual culture, emerging as early as the second century and visible well into the seventh century and beyond. Many of these tiny books were elegant, well-crafted, and could contain a surprising number of pages. Currently, we have over 60 such codices, which contain a wide range of Christian literature including New Testament books, patristic and non-canonical writings (e.g., the Didache, Acts of Paul, and apocryphal gospels), and even liturgical-ritual texts. This is a full-length monograph on the phenomenon of the miniature codex.

Contents:

Cover

Half Title

Series

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Preface

Contents

Figures

1 Compressed in Tiny Skins: Introduction to the Miniature Codex

1.1 Rationale for the Study

1.2 The Literary Context of the Study

1.2.1 Christian Preference for the Codex

1.2.2 Why Did Christians Prefer the Codex?

1.2.2.1 Notebooks and the Words of Jesus

1.2.2.2 Practical Advantages

1.2.2.3 Codex and Canon

1.2.3 Summary

1.3 Prior Research on Christian Miniature Codices

1.4 Scope of the Study

2 One-Hand Books: Characteristics of Miniature Codices

2.1 Form

2.1.1 Size

2.1.2 Codex

2.1.3 Parchment

2.2 Content

2.2.1 Continuous Text

2.2.2 Scribal Quality

2.3 Borderline Cases

2.3.1 Miniature Codex vs. Amulet?

2.3.2 Examples of Borderline Cases

2.3.3 The Continuum between Miniature Codices and Amulets

2.4 Conclusion

3 He Carried the Books of Sacred Scripture: Practical Functions of Miniature Codices

3.1 Private Reading

3.1.1 Public or Communal Reading

3.1.2 Informal or Private Reading

3.1.3 Access to Miniature Codices

3.1.4 Content of Miniature Codices

3.2 Liturgical-Ritual Activity

3.3 Portability and Travel

3.4 Conclusion

4 The Devil Will Not Approach: Iconic Functions of Miniature Codices

4.1 Miniaturization and the Iconic Use of Books

4.1.1 Miniaturization and Privatization

4.1.2 Miniaturization and Personalization

4.1.3 Miniaturization and Magnification

4.2 Miniature Codices as Symbols of Christian Identity

4.2.1 Books and Religious Identity

4.2.2 Miniature Codices Carried by Women (and Children)

4.3 Miniature Codices as Representations of the Presence of Christ

4.4 Miniature Codices as Objects of Power and Healing

4.4.1 Protection from the Devil

4.4.2 Protection from Disease and Danger.

4.4.3 Miniature Codices and Amulets Again

4.5 Conclusion

5 Catalog of Greek Christian Miniature Codices: New Testament Texts

Excursus: Dating Manuscripts

6 Catalog of Greek Christian Miniature Codices: Non-Canonical and Liturgical-Ritual Texts

7 Conclusion: Observations, Implications, and Pathways for Further Research

7.1 Summary

7.1.1 Definition

7.1.2 Function

7.2 Observations

7.3 Implications

7.3.1 Material and Textual Culture

7.3.2 Private Reading

7.3.3 Non-Canonical Texts

7.3.4 Liturgical Activity

7.3.5 The Power of Books

7.4 For Further Research

Bibliography

General Subject Index

Name Index

Source Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource and publisher information; title from PDF title page (viewed on April 11, 2025).

ISBN:

0-19-894042-4

0-19-894040-8

OCLC:

1514608213