Eric Johnson on Pieces of the Puzzle — Manuscript Fragments & Reconstruction

June Daytime Program

Eric Johnson

Book of Hours

Well, since May’s speaker is from the University of Michigan, you’d expect that The Ohio State University would want equal time. However, you may not have expected to learn that OSU’s library holds one of the largest collections of manuscript fragments in North America, as well as a substantial collection of codices and diplomatics. The library plays a vital role in international work of manuscript reconstruction.

What can fragments tell us? Well, just as pieces of pottery and other detritus unearthed in archeological digs can be revealing, so too can manuscript fragments. They provide surprising evidence of odd and unique formats, expose direct reader interaction, introduce us to vernacular texts, demonstrate scribal and codicological (did you wake up this morning expecting to encounter that word?) features, and more. In short, fragments give rise to great stories.

Come and hear them. Our guide on this fascinating — and accessible — historical journey will be Eric Johnson, who serves as Curator of the Thompson Special Collections at The Ohio State University Libraries. A sought after speaker, Dr. Johnson received his M.A. and Ph.D. from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of York. Reserve your place today!