Kézirattörténet

Kézirattörténet, a Hungarian term, translates to "history of manuscripts" or "manuscript history" in English. This field of study focuses on the examination and understanding of handwritten documents from various historical periods. It encompasses the physical and intellectual aspects of manuscripts, tracing their creation, transmission, and evolution over time.

The discipline of kézirattörténet involves analyzing the materials used in manuscript production, such as parchment, paper, inks, and pigments. It also delves into the script styles, illuminations, and binding techniques employed by scribes and artists. Furthermore, kézirattörténet investigates the content of manuscripts, including their subject matter, literary traditions, and the social and cultural contexts in which they were produced and used.

Scholars in this field often utilize codicology, paleography, and diplomatics as core methodologies. Codicology examines the physical structure of the book as an object, while paleography focuses on the decipherment and dating of ancient and medieval handwriting. Diplomatics, on the other hand, analyzes the structure and authenticity of charters and official documents.

The study of kézirattörténet is crucial for understanding the dissemination of knowledge, religious beliefs, literary works, and administrative practices throughout history. It sheds light on the intellectual life of past societies and provides invaluable insights into the development of textual culture before the advent of printing.