A Short Introduction to their Study and Use. By Falconer Madan, м.A. Fellow of Brasenose College in the University of Oxford Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., Ltd. MDCCCXCIII Preface THIS work is intended to be a plain account of the study and use of manuscripts, such as will interest both the amateur who may possess manuscript treasures, but may lack the time or opportunity to go deeply into the subject, and the student who may wish to have a clear view of the character and methods of the study, before entering on the details of palæography and textual criticism. There is, therefore, little room for original matter, or for references to substantiate the statements made; but the writer has attempted to be precise as well as plain, and to avoid exaggeration and prolixity. If the book leads collectors of manuscripts, or students either of the classics or of historical records, to take a keener and more intelligent interest in their work, his object will be attained. The writer's best thanks are due to the editor of the series, Mr. A. W. Pollard, of the British Museum, for both general and specific help; to the Rev. O. W. Minns for permission to make use of a forthcoming account of the library at Titchfield Monastery, and to the publishers of the Encyclopædia Britannica and Mr. H. R. Tedder (who has kindly corrected the details) for allowing him to construct Appendix A from their copyright material. The majority of the illustrations have been taken from Oxford manuscripts, in order to secure the exceptional advantages afforded by the photographic department now attached to the Clarendon Press. F. MADAN. April 1893. |