Nag Hammadi Codices and Their Ancient Readers - Exploring Textual Materiality and Reading Practice

"Since their discovery in 1945, the Nag Hammadi Codices have generated scholarly debate as to their date and function. This study analyses the palaeography and codicology of the manuscripts, focusing on paratextual elements and scribal features. Linjamaa explores how Pachomian monks used the texts for spiritual development and pedagogical practices"--

List of contents

List of figures; Acknowledgments; Note on transcription and translation; Abbreviations; Introduction: the provenance controversy; 1. Christian book culture, new philology and gnosticism; 2. The find story and the ethics of post-modern manuscript archaeology; 3. The construction of Codex I: scribal errors as clues to context; 4. Notes made by monks: the marginal markings in Codex I and Codex VIII; 5. Vowel constellations and secret language; 6. The sacred symbols in the Nag Hammadi Codices: books as weapons in demonic war; 7. Textual fluidity and multiple versions in monastic textual practice; Conclusion: the Nag Hammadi Codices from a 'textual community' perspective; Bibliography; Index.

About the author

Paul Linjamaa is Associate Professor at the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies at Lund University.

Product details

• Authors: Paul Linjamaa, Paul (Lunds Universitet Linjamaa
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2023
• EAN: 9781009441469
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0944146-9
• No. of pages: 280
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; Egypt, Christianity, CE period up to c 1500, History of Religion, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / New Testament / General, Coptic