Introduction to Gregorian Paleography

Introduction to Gregorian Paleography by Maurice J. Blanc is a comprehensive guide to the study of medieval manuscripts and the art of deciphering ancient texts. The book provides an in-depth introduction to the study of Gregorian chant, the liturgical music of the Catholic Church, and the manuscript tradition that has preserved it. Blanc begins by discussing the history of Gregorian chant and the development of the notation system used to write it. He then introduces the reader to the various types of manuscripts that contain Gregorian chant, including antiphonaries, graduals, and missals. The bulk of the book is devoted to the art of paleography, or the study of ancient handwriting. Blanc provides a detailed overview of the different scripts used in medieval manuscripts, including Carolingian minuscule, Gothic script, and humanistic cursive. He also discusses the various abbreviations and symbols that were commonly used in medieval manuscripts, and provides tips for deciphering them. Throughout the book, Blanc provides numerous examples of manuscripts and handwriting, along with detailed explanations of how to read and interpret them. He also includes exercises and practice texts to help readers develop their paleographic skills. Overall, Introduction to Gregorian Paleography is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of medieval manuscripts, Gregorian chant, or the history of handwriting. It is a thorough and accessible guide that will be invaluable to scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.