Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Codex and the Illuminated Manuscript | 1st century AD

Post an example of a scroll.


What were the drawbacks of the scroll?
only allow sequential usage, readers must read the text in the order it was written
Post an example of a codex.




What is a codex?

covered and bound collection of hand written pages

"Codex" is derived from the Latin meaning "block of wood". Why?

because it is made out of wood

What is the difference between "sequential access" and "random access"?

sequential access: one must go through the scroll to find a certain passage
random access: one can go to any point to find information

What were the advantages of using the codex?

easier to organize in libraries

What helped spread the use of the codex?

the rise of Christianity

What replaced papyrus? Describe the process used to create it?

parchment, hair and fat was removed from animals and skin was smoothed out, hide was soaked in water, calcium, flour, and salt were added, skin was stretched out, flattened and dried

What is vellum?

finer qualities of parchment made from skins of young calves

Name several examples of current technology that utilizes the format of the codex?

durable parchment

What led to a period of cultural and economical deterioration?

the decline of the roman empire resulted in fewer books being created
Post an example of an illuminated manuscript.


Who began creating books by hand, taking the creation to an art form?

monastic monks

What does "illumination" refer to? What was included in this ornamentation?

the borders, illustrations and ornamentation added to each page of text, ornamentation included initials of character or paragraphs, paintings in margins, borders, and around text

What tool was used for creating the illuminated manuscripts?

quill pens

Why were these manuscripts reserved for religious purposes?

the work was laborious

What is craftsmanship? Why is it important?

 employed to make the materials used, without craftsmanship we wouldn't have tools

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