Comparative Oriental Manuscript Studies (COMSt): An Introduction

Abstract

The handbook to be discussed is – according to the foreword – the most important result of a research network program with the same title (COMSt), funded by the European Science Foundation (June 2009 to May 2014). It is an introduction to the study and edition of Oriental manuscript cultures, i.e. those from the Near and Middle East as well as North Africa. The quality of the contributions correspond to scientific standard and provide a good first access, even for the interested layman, to the large field of Oriental manuscript studies. The contributions are up to date and do not neglect computer-based procedures either. For the first time a comprehensive presentation of manuscript research dealing with Oriental manuscripts in one volume is provided. All in all, this extensive handbook is a useful companion, which provides a reliable overview of the sometimes confusing field of research into Oriental manuscripts and manuscript cultures. It should therefore not be missing on the desk of an editor of Oriental manuscripts or in a seminar dealing with Oriental manuscripts.